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The Denver Broncos added a new running back, and quarterback Bo Nix seems to be getting more comfortable with the offense. But it is the defensive side of the football where two underrated Broncos sleepers could break out in the 2025 NFL season.
It’s beginning to look like it could be a special season in Denver. Head coach Sean Payton and his team could even challenge the Chiefs’ supremacy in the AFC West. But for that to happen, some behind-the-scenes guys will need to step up and have good seasons.
Included in that mix are a pair of players who hope to make big impacts in 2025. First up is a second-year player.
The Broncos signed Tillman out of the USFL, and he played in 12 games last season. The good news is he racked up five sacks in limited action. That shows he has the ability to get things done.
Broncos defensive coordinator said he didn’t know a lot about Tillman at first, according to denverpost.com.
“I knew he was a big guy who can run,” Joseph said, adding that Tillman is the perfect fourth outside linebacker for the Broncos in 2025. “You have young guys who can rush the passer (but) can’t finish. (Tillman) is a finisher.”
Payton said he didn’t expect Tillman to put up solid numbers right off the bat.
“He’s certainly been a big plus,” Payton said. “He’s given us physicality. He works his tail off, and he works at it. When you can get a player like that, maybe you weren’t counting on, that’s a good sign.”
Included in Payton’s surprise was Tillman’s two-sack game last September, according to Sports Illustrated.
“We weren’t going to just let the other three play 60 snaps or 50 snaps,” Payton said. “A guy like that was coming up; he’s got to be playing in the kicking game and then getting snaps on defense. I was pleased with his effort. He’s strong. We’ve seen a lot from him. I was excited to see him take advantage of the opportunity.”
Tillman said he believes in himself.
“I knew what my soul told me,” he said. “I just had to work for it. I’m good enough to play here.”
After four years in Miami, Jones showed quite a bit in his first year with the Broncos. He started 15 games, totaled 115 tackles, and defended an impressive 10 passes.
Pro Football Focus said Jones is the Broncos’ most underrated player.
“2024 was a massive season for Jones, who signed a three-year free-agent contract despite not having played more than 644 defensive snaps in a year while dealing with several injuries,” Jonathan Macri wrote. “Jones not only proved the Broncos right in signing him, but also exceeded expectations by finishing as one of the five highest-graded safeties overall (84.8) and in coverage (89.8) in 2024. He played a career-high 1,042 defensive snaps — almost double his...
