Denver :

Royce Freeman – RB

“Rolls-Royce” is a bruiser. At 5’11” and 238 pounds, he is a punishing running back with surprising agility. Entering his second season, his rookie year was hampered by injuries which put him behind the learning curve, and allowed Phillip Lindsay to take hold of the starting gig. Averaging 4.0 YPC on 131 attempts last season, he has the upside to contribute in this offense. Training camp reports have been very optimistic and it sounds like the Broncos would like to have he and Lindsay split touches. A strong statement in the preseason would go a long way to carve out a role for himself, starting tonight.

DaeSean Hamilton – WR

Hamilton, a second year wide receiver out of Penn State, is listed second on the depth chart behind Emmanuel Sanders, but he by no means has a firm grasp on that spot. Posting only 243 receiving yards last year, the Broncos brass is going to expect Hamilton to take a big step forward into a real receiving threat, and he will need to fend off some young talent behind him. Joe Flacco lining up under center helps Hamilton – I guess, sorta – but Hamilton is going to need to create separation, and establish himself as a reliable member of this passing attack. Watch his route running, his understanding of defensive coverages, and if he is creating separation early and often.

Noah Fant – TE

The Bronco’s first-round draft pick this year should in no way stay second on the depth chart for long. A 6’4,” 249 pound tight end that can catch, and has 4.50 forty yard dash speed, is what we like to call a problem. He is too fast for linebackers, and too big for corners. There is a highlight from his game last season against Purdue where he dragged a smaller defensive back 39 yards down the field, before finally being tackled. If he can demonstrate in the preseason that he can hold up against the more physical defenders at the NFL level, he should quickly climb the depth chart and could be the go-to target for Joe Flacco. Flacco thoroughly enjoys throwing to his tight ends (reference Dennis Pitta with 86 catches in 2016).