Denver Broncos 2022 training camp preview
The Denver Broncos have first-time head coach Nathaniel Hackett leading the team in 2022. He was the former offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. Also, the Broncos have first-time offensive and defensive coordinators heading into the upcoming season. Denver has finished last in the AFC West for the past two years. However, they are looking to make the playoffs in 2022 after changing a lot of the coaching staff and trading for perennial pro-bowl quarterback Russell Wilson. The Broncos have been weak at quarterback but now they have their franchise QB. Subsequently, Denver now has all the pieces to make a playoff push this year. Heading into training camp what should we watch for with the Denver Broncos in 2022?
3 position battles to watch:
1. Tight End: Albert Okwuegbunam, Greg Dulcich
The Broncos traded away their starting tight end Noah Fant as a part of the Wilson deal. This leaves a starting spot up for grabs heading into training camp. Dulcich is a rookie out of UCLA and Okwuegbunam is a third-year tight end from Missouri. Okwuegbunam is a speedy tight end that should pair well with Wilson. The Broncos have a lot of offensive weapons this year so the ball should be spread around. Fant had 90 targets last year so we will see if those targets get dispersed to the wide receivers or to whichever tight end wins the starting job.
2. Running Back: Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon
Gordon and Williams played in a pretty even two-back system last year. Gordon had 918 rushing yards, 213 passing yards, and a total of 10 touchdowns. Williams had 903 rushing yards 316 receiving yards, and a total of 7 touchdowns. Williams is headed into his second season after his fantastic rookie season. On the other hand, Gordon is going into his eighth season. I expect Williams to begin to take over more of the lead role this year. Williams can start to blossom into a top running back in the league and Gordon can still bring value in a smaller role. Besides, the exact breakdown of touches, the Denver Broncos will have a solid run game this year.
3. Right Tackle: Billy Turner, Tom Compton
The Broncos’ right tackle position is one of their weaker positions on the offensive line. Billy Turner has spent his last couple of years in Green Bay and he has played for the Broncos already in 2017 and 2018. Tom Compton is more of a journeyman as he has played for six different franchises in nine years. Although neither of them are definitively right tackles. They are versatile and experienced offensive linemen. These are two older veterans battling out for a starting spot. Whoever wins the battle will need to be able to keep QB Wilson upright in the pocket.
Ready To Breakout: Jerry Jeudy
Jeudy had a good rookie year despite poor quarterback play from Drew Lock. He only played in 10 games last year because of a right high ankle sprain suffered in week one. However, I think a healthy Jeudy with Wilson at QB has the potential to be a dynamic combination. Jeudy, even after an underwhelming first two years, is one of the best route runners in the league. Wilson has a great deep ball and a knack for creating opportunities by extending plays. Trading in the quarterback play of Lock and Bridgewater for Wilson is an immense improvement. I think a Wilson to Jeudy connection will be brilliant for the Denver Broncos in 2022.
Rookie To Watch: Greg Dulcich
Dulcich is a 6’4” 245-pound skilled tight end from UCLA. He provides good routes, speed, and blocking at the tight end position. I liked the Broncos’ pick of linebacker Nik Bonitto a lot. However, he is backing up linebacker Bradley Chubb and Dulcich will have a chance to start. Dulcich does not have to start and he will still have plenty of opportunities to see the field. If he can carve out an offensive role then he should find success at tight end. The other weapons will get more attention from the defense and Wilson will be able to accurately find him which will allow Dulcich to rack up some nice receptions and yards.
Fantasy Sleeper: Tim Patrick
I think is a good fantasy sleeper because he provides great value. Patrick is not even a top 50 wide receiver meaning people can grab him in the later rounds. He was an effective streaming wide receiver two or three last year. However, now this year he is on a way better offense. He can still be successful as the Broncos’ third option as the ball should be spread around. Also, if wide receivers Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy were to miss time then that would be a huge boost for Patrick. Patrick would be a main target on an offense led by Wilson which has historically been great for fantasy.
