An optimist's guide to the 2024 Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos failed to end an eight-year playoff drought in their first season under head coach Sean Payton, but the team may improve next season following some roster tweaks.

Here are three reasons to be optimistic about the Broncos in 2024.

Second-year wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr.
 
In 16 games last season, Mims — a second-round pick out of Oklahoma — only logged 22 receptions on 33 targets for 377 yards and one touchdown catch. He flashed big-play ability, though, leading the Broncos in yards per reception (17.1).

Mims should receive more targets after Denver dealt WR Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns in March. It wouldn't be surprising if he emerges as the Broncos' No. 2 WR behind former Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton.

Payton recently hinted Mims may break out in 2024. Per ESPN's Jeff Legwold, the HC said, "I think we'll see a lot of growth" from the 22-year-old wideout this upcoming season.
 
Rookie QB Bo Nix may be an ideal fit for Payton's offense
 
Some thought the Broncos reached when they took Nix with the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, a league executive believes the 24-year-old QB will thrive in Payton's system.

"I'm betting on it (succeeding) heavily," the exec told The Athletic's Mike Sando. "Bo has experience, he has enough arm talent and I think he is going to do what he is coached to do. Sean Payton's system is optimal for him. Bo is not going to go off-script as much as [ex-Broncos QB Russell Wilson] was going to do. Look, I don't want him to be successful, but I think he is going to be legit there."

Thus far, Payton seems pleased with Nix's progress, recently noting how he's learning the offense rapidly. Perhaps he'll become the answer Denver desperately needs. Since Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning retired in 2016, the Broncos have rotated through 13 starters.
 
Offensive line's improvement in 2023

In 2022, Pro Football Focus ranked the Broncos offensive line 21st in the NFL. Last season, the unit finished seventh in the league.

According to PFF, the Broncos allowed 16 sacks last season, the fourth fewest in the league. This included a stretch where Denver didn't allow a sack between Weeks 10 and 14. Right guard Quinn Meinerz was a standout, posting an 83.7 PFF grade, the third best at his position.

Aside from center Lloyd Cushenberry III — who signed a four-year, $50M deal with the Tennessee Titans in free agency — all of the unit's starters are returning in 2024. Whether QB Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson or Nix wins the starting job, this should make their life much easier.