ClutchPoints
A year ago, the Denver Broncos walked into training camp wondering if they finally found a franchise quarterback. One electrifying rookie season later, Bo Nix didn’t just answer that question. It seems he flipped the entire script. The former Oregon standout threw 29 touchdowns, flashed dual-threat mobility, and led Denver to its first playoff berth since winning Super Bowl 50. For a franchise that’s been starving for quarterback stability since Peyton Manning retired, Nix brought hope and, more importantly, results. Now comes the harder part, though: staying ahead of the league that’s had a full offseason to study him.
As the 2025 Broncos report to training camp, they do so with confidence. The tone is different. There’s belief in Nix and in what Sean Payton is building. Of course, there are also new challenges. Nix’s short and intermediate passing game was his bread and butter last season, but defenses are expected to adjust. Expect opponents to crowd those lanes, daring Nix to win outside the numbers and deep downfield. His legs, which caught teams off-guard in 2024, won’t be a surprise weapon anymore either.
That means Payton’s next chess moves are crucial. Can he diversify the playbook to keep Nix unpredictable? Can he establish a more physical run game to create balance? And how will new tight end Evan Engram be utilized in a system that hasn’t made that position a consistent threat in recent years?
The pieces are in place for Denver to push deeper into January. However, every piece has to fall just right. One unit, in particular, needs to step up for that to happen.
Here we’ll try to look at the fatal flaw that the Denver Broncos must address in their 2025 NFL training camp.
If there’s one vulnerability that could sabotage Denver’s upward trajectory, it’s at wide receiver.
Yes, Courtland Sutton is a legitimate WR1. He’s coming off a career-high 81-catch season and remains a physically imposing red-zone weapon. Beyond him, though? It gets murky. The Broncos don’t lack bodies in the receiver room, but they do lack certainty.
Marvin Mims Jr has the speed to blow the top off defenses. He finished the 2024 season strong and should take on a bigger role this year. That said, he’s yet to prove he can be a consistent, every-down threat. Can he handle that leap with defenses now scheming for him?
Then there’s Troy Franklin. Drafted in 2024 largely because of his chemistry with Nix from their time at Oregon, Franklin flashed in limited opportunities. He had 26 receptions and 2 touchdowns in 6 starts. Sure, his rapport with Nix is undeniable. However, that doesn’t guarantee he’s ready to handle CB2 coverage or deliver week after week.
Don’t overlook Devaughn Vele either. At 27 years old, he’s an unorthodox sophomore in NFL terms. Still, his size and contested-catch ability gave the Broncos useful snaps...
