Three unsung Broncos could make a big impact during the 2022 season

The Denver Broncos have quite the collection of talent on the roster. They’ll need their starters to play at a high level in order to compete for a playoff spot in the hyper-competitive AFC West. They’ll also need their reserve players to be ready in case of emergency – or at least be ready to produce when they get on the field as backups or rotational players.

Therefore they’ve got one of the best in the game, general manager George Paton, collecting the talent necessary to get this team back on top. The Broncos are in a Super Bowl window with Russell Wilson at quarterback, but it’s Paton’s work with the rest of the roster that could help get them there.
Paton welcomes the challenge of this division.

“I think it’s pretty cool—the AFC West. It’s an arms race with what everyone is doing. We embrace it. We embrace the challenge. We always look at the AFC West and what everybody is doing,” Paton said.

Last week, three of their reserves with upside talked to the media. These players may be backups for now, and there’s a chance at least one of them is a starter at the beginning of the season, and their play could help determine how far the Broncos go in 2022. Some interesting things were said – and unspoken – that we need to go over. Let’s take a look.

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Meinerz Mystery

It was interesting that second-year pro Quinn Meinerz wouldn’t really answer the question about where he was going to play this season. He was asked about where he was most comfortable – either at center or guard – and he didn’t really answer. He was asked about playing right guard or left guard – and he really didn’t answer. Meinerz did give answers, and he was thoughtful with those answers, but the content of what he said had an air of mystery.

So, does Meinerz not know where he’s going to play? Does he know but doesn’t want to give things away? The status of the offensive line will be one to watch through training camp. Meinerz can start at three different positions up front – left guard, center and right guard. Where he ends up – or if he ends up as a quality reserve – has yet to be determined, and we got no clarity from the young player about where he would end up.

Graham Glasgow could be pencilled in as the starter at right guard, but Meinerz may prove to be the better option. Lloyd Cushenberry is in a make-or-break situation, and Meinerz could push him for the starting center position. Dalton Risner is the starter at left guard – and I think he could get a big payday next offseason if he plays up to his potential. However, Meinerz is an option at Risner’s spot if he gets banged up.

Meinerz was asked immediately about where he thinks he’s going to play, and he wasn’t clear with his answer.

“Right now, it’s really early to know what the expectations are just because these first couple phases of OTAs have been really learning everybody and each other. There’s really a lot still to happen between who’s being named what at that point. Right now, my main focus is trying to be the best player every single day and take the coaching I’m receiving and apply it,” Meinerz said.

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Okwuegbunam Focused

It won’t surprise me if tight end Albert Okwuegbunam begins the season as a starter. He’s the incumbent with the team, and you could put him at the top of the depth chart today since the Broncos traded away Noah Fant.

Okwuegbunam is big, fast and physical – making him a great target for Wilson in the red zone. His biggest problem is the fact that he’s yet to prove he can stay healthy for a full season at the pro level. Injuries could derail Okwuegbunam this year, so the Broncos must be ready for him to miss time. They prepared for that outcome when they selected tight end Greg Dulcich in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Dulcich is not as strong, but he’s faster and has the potential to be a dangerous weapon in the pros. The Broncos will use both tight ends, but there is a competition for that top spot. Not only is the depth chart pecking order important but getting more time to create better chemistry with Wilson is also something to keep an eye on.
Okweugbunam revealed his reaction to the selection of Dulcich.

“I didn’t think too much of it. I’m still just focusing and approaching it as being ready to step into that No. 1 spot and do the best to my ability and approach every day the same,” Okwuegbunam said.

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System of a Down

Malik Reed could get a large payday if he plays up to his potential this year – even as a reserve pass-rusher behind Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory. You can never have too many pass rushers, and teams in the NFL are willing to pay a premium price for men who can get after the passer.

Reed has flashed with the Broncos over the last few years. He’s filled in as a starter and produced, plus Reed has worked well coming off the bench. In past seasons, the Broncos weren’t blitzing that much. This season under new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero expect the team to blitz more than before. That’s bad news for opposing quarterbacks, and its good news for guys like Reed.

The path to snaps is cluttered with other talent – not just Chubb and Gregory. Reed will compete with guys like Baron Browning, Jonathan Cooper, Nik Bonitto and Chris Allen for the opportunity to rotate in as a pass rusher. Reed has the experience others don’t, and that gives him a leg up in the competition. He’s not focused on the big contract that could be coming for him next year, he’s just focusd on being the best pro he can be this season.
Reed talked about his focus for the upcoming season.

“With the new coaches coming in, it’s really (about) getting the system down. I feel like that’s what this time is about. (It’s about) going in and being able to learn from mistakes and be better. The better you know the system, (that’s when) you can actually go out and play free. There are a lot of things you can do to take your game to the next level. It’s (about) getting back to the fundamentals in the running game (with) using your hands and being able to rush the passer in different ways. (It’s about) continuing to build on the things I’ve done well and work on the things I haven’t,” Reed said.

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