Must-watch players in Broncos’ first preseason game

The Broncos face the Cardinals of their first preseason motion of the 2023 season on Friday night time. Listed here are three must-watch gamers for Denver.


Russell Wilson, quarterback

Wilson should bounce again after the worst season of his profession in 2022. In 15 video games final season, he went 4-11 as a starter, threw a career-low 16 TDs and posted a 36.7 QBR, properly under the league common. Denver employed head coach Sean Payton, a former Tremendous Bowl champion, to resurrect his profession this offseason.

Not like final 12 months, Wilson will play within the preseason, which may assist him take away rust earlier than the common season, avoiding one other catastrophe. Additionally, his efficiency will gauge if he’s beginning to perceive Payton’s offense and if their partnership can work.


Marvin Mims Jr., huge receiver

Denver already has depth points at WR. Tim Patrick suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, and Okay.J. Hamler was waived attributable to a gentle coronary heart irritation. Mims Jr.—the 63rd general decide within the 2023 NFL Draft—should step up and turn into a viable WR3.

The previous Oklahoma Sooner possesses blazing pace. He ran a 4.38-second, 40-yard sprint on the mix in February. His quickness may make him an explosive, deep-ball specialist, one thing the Broncos want after they completed nineteenth in passing yards in 2022.


Drew Sanders, inside linebacker

It is not clear the place Sanders suits in Denver’s linebacking corps. Denver’s already loaded at ILB with Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton. However defensive coordinator Vance Joseph signaled he desires to present the third-round decide loads of taking part in time. “He is an excellent athlete,” he recently said of the rookie LB.

Sanders was an adept pass-rusher at Arkansas. Throughout his closing season, he logged the 14th-most sacks (9.5 in 12 video games) within the FBS. If this ability interprets to the NFL stage, Denver may use him as an edge-rushing LB. The Broncos are skinny at OLB. Baron Browning continues to be on the PUP list with a knee harm, and his backup Nik Bonitto solely had 1.5 sacks in 15 video games throughout his rookie season.