Crimson Tide NFL Team Rundown: The Denver Broncos

The Broncos did not live up to expectations in 2022, missing the playoffs after trading for Russell Wilson. With Sean Peyton at the helm, can Denver make the postseason for the first time since Peyton Manning?

The Denver Broncos were a popular preseason favorite in 2022. They had just traded for Russell Wilson, hired Nathaniel Hackett, who coached Aaron Rodgers to two MVPs, had a plethora of offensive weapons, and the third-best defense in the NFL. They seemed like a bonafide Super Bowl contender.

Instead, Denver went 5-12, losing seven of their last nine games. They also traded away their first-round picks from 2022 and 2023, as well as the second-round picks from 2022 and 2023 in the Wilson deal. 

Yet there's still optimism for 2023. After firing Hackett the Broncos traded for the rights to former Saints head coach Sean Peyton. Denver also made five picks in the 2023 NFL draft, and all of them addressing perceived positions of need. 

The Broncos success this season will likely be tied to the success of their offense. Wilson has to return to form, but not necessarily be an MVP candidate. Based on the surrounding players and offensive scheme in Denver there's a good chance of that happening. The Broncos lost starting wide receiver Tim Patrick for the season to a torn Achilles after he tore his ACL in 2022, but they still have two big-name receivers on the roster: former Alabama standout Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. The Broncos also drafted Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., who recorded a 1,000-yard season in 2022 with the Sooners, as well as six touchdowns. 

Jerry Jeudy, a first-round pick in 2020, appears to have his game back on track. After a sophomore slump saw him record just under 500 receiving yards and zero touchdowns through just ten games, he responded well in 2022 with 972 yards and six touchdowns, both career numbers. The Broncos' top wide receiver should only see that role increase in 2023, especially with improved quarterback play.

The run game will also be important to easing the job on Wilson. Javonte Williams is entering his third year in the NFL, but it will be his first year as the leading back and fully healthy. In 2021, he split carries with Melvin Gordon, and in 2022 tore his ACL early in the season. Now, it's Williams's job to lose. If he can remain healthy, he should eclipse his first 1,000-yard season and be the lead guy in Denver's running back room.

Defensively, Denver will be more than successful, being led by a superstar secondary manned by two Crimson Tide alumni: Patrick Surtain II and Kareem Jackson. Surtain was named All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl during just his second season in the NFL. He is a young candidate for the best cornerback in the NFL, competing with the likes of Sauce Gardner, Jalen Ramsey, and Jaire Alexander. Following the 2023 season, Surtain will be eligible for contract extension talks. For perspective, the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers, makes $21 million per year. 

Jackson has been with Denver since 2019, carving out a nice role as one of the starting safeties for the Broncos. Although 35, has played in 13 games or more every season, he's been credited with 343 tackles, four fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and four picks. Despite signing just a one-year deal with the Broncos, Jackson is a huge veteran presence in the secondary. It doesn't hurt that the other starting safety is another star in the NFL: Justin Simmons. The third-round pick for Denver in 2016, has 533 total tackles, 27 picks, and three forced fumbles in his career. 

Bama in the NFL: Is Patrick Surtain II Already Best of the Denver Broncos?

Edge rusher Chris Allen had a rough start to his NFL career, dealing with the remnants of a Lisfranc injury he suffered his final season at Alabama. Last year was essentially a redshirt season for Allen, so this is essentially like his rookie season, but he'll have to perform and prove he's worth a spot on the 53-man roster. The practice squad could be a possibility. 

Of course the big question in Denver is which way will the Broncos go? They have the reigning Super Bowl champions in their division, but Denver should be competing with teams like Cleveland, Tennessee, and New York for wildcard spots in the 2023 AFC playoff race. 

Active Denver Broncos

#45 Christopher Allen, LB
#22 Kareem Jackson, S
#10 Jerry Jeudy, WR
#2 Pat Surtain II, CB

See also: 

Bama in the NFL: Active Alabama Crimson Tide Players by Team