Mile High Report
This Saturday, the Denver Broncos will take on the San Francisco 49ers in their first game of the preseason on the road in the Bay Area. The Broncos are expected to play their starters for a series or two, but like always, it’s the backup players vying for position on the depth chart that will get the most opportunities. Listed below are three players with a lot of potential that I’m excited to watch this weekend. Feel free to give your top players to watch in the comments section.
The Broncos boast a talented and youthful group of players at wide receiver position. For the 2025 season, I expect Courtland Sutton to be Denver’s primary target. After Sutton, tight end Evan Engram would be the next player in line relative to target share.
After that? The potential order in the team’s aerial attack is anyone’s best guess. While I assume a running back will get a good number of targets in Payton’s offense—who rises to the top behind Sutton at receiver looms large. Presumptively number four on the team’s depth chart at wide receiver is second-year player Troy Franklin.
Over the course of the camp, Franklin has routinely been reported as a standout performer. He offers a unique skillset and boasts outstanding speed and the ability to separate. Unfortunately, key drops and ball adjustment issues hampered his production during his rookie season.
I’m optimistic that Franklin can make a decent jump in year two. Earlier in the week, Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi praised Franklin’s growth over the offseason and is encouraged about his potential. Not only that but believes his chemistry with Bo Nix will help him be more successful this season.
“They have a good feel for each other. Experience with a receiver really helps as a quarterback, knowing where they’re going to be. That’s really paid off. As he’s learned the offense, he’s able to play naturally and that’s what Bo’s used to,” stated Lombardi.
Whenever Head Coach Sean Payton has utilized early draft capital on a running back, they usually produce at a high level right away. In the second round of this year’s draft, the Broncos maneuvered the board and ended up getting one of their highest-rated running back prospects at pick #60 — UCF standout RJ Harvey.
Prior to the start of training camp, Denver also added veteran J.K. Dobbins to the mix as well. There is no doubt if healthy, Dobbins will get a lot of carries this season. Nevertheless, Harvey will have ample opportunities to showcase his skills during his rookie season.
The Broncos are expected to put a stronger emphasis on outside zone runs in ’25. With Harvey in the fold, that comes as no surprise. His prowess and ability to make big plays on those concepts over the course of his collegiate career are well documented. He is a big play threat that has the speed and second gear...
