The Denver Broncos exceeded expectations in 2024, and now the focus turns to putting in the work to return to the playoffs. After snapping an eight-year playoff drought, the Broncos don't want to take a step back.
Since 2020, 25 NFL teams have the playoffs only to miss the tournament the following season. That equals about eight teams per year.
Among those teams that missed the playoffs the following year, the average difference in record was -3.5 wins from the season prior. This includes four instances where a team won the same number of games.
The Broncos have to take steps to avoid regressing. What exactly must Denver do to ensure another successful playoff campaign?
There are five keys to unlock in this crucial offseason, so to speak. Let's examine.
The Broncos have to build up the offense around Bo Nix. That means reworking the running back and tight end rooms, adding a wide receiver, and possibly upgrading the center position.
The Broncos' run game was abysmal all season despite some surges of play. With few exceptions, the backs were inconsistent from series to series.
Javonte Williams is a free agent and isn't expected to be re-signed, and while Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin are still under contract, they should have to compete for a roster spot. This is a solid free-agent group of backs and a very deep draft class, so the Broncos should add two or three.
It's much the same with a Broncos tight end room that didn’t do much this past season. Adam Trautman was a disappointment, Nate Adkins came along as a blocker, and Lucas Krull was a practice-squad-caliber player at his best.
This is why the Broncos have been heavily linked to tight ends Tyler Warren (Penn State) and Colston Loveland (Michigan) in the pre-draft buzz and mocks. There aren’t many tight end options in free agency, but Juwan Johnson (New Orleans Saints) is a name to watch. Like with running back, the Broncos should add two or three new tight ends, with at least one veteran free agent.
It was the Courtland Sutton show at receiver, but the room is full of potential more than realized talent. Marvin Mims Jr. came along nicely, but he's a gadget player more than a wide receiver.
Devaughn Vele had a nice rookie campaign, but who knows what his next step will be? The rest of the Broncos' receiver room left a much be desired.
The Broncos need a No. 1 or 2 receiver to pair with Sutton if he sticks around beyond 2025, as he's poised to have another clash over his contract. This is why the Broncos have been linked to multiple veteran receivers in trade and free agency, but if they can’t land a veteran, it'll be crucial to add one with a draft pick.
As for the center position, Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth were serviceable, so the Broncos will be alright if they can't land an upgrade. However, based on what we saw from both last year, if the Broncos can upgrade, they should.
According to Pro Football Focus, 49 centers played at least 290 snaps on offense. Wattenberg ranked 35th in run blocking grade and Forsyth 16th, with Wattenberg ranking second and Forsyth 31st in pass blocking.
So perhaps Broncos O-line coach Zach Strief and Sean Payton see something in these two to keep working with, but if so, Wattenberg is entering the final year of his deal, and Forsyth has two years left.
