Broncos defender believes team is 'going to surprise a lot of people' this year

The Broncos have seen a lot of change this offseason, most notably parting ways with quarterback Russell Wilson, who will be paid $37.79 million to not play for them in 2024.

As a result, many believe that Denver is in store for its eighth straight losing season. Linebacker Jonas Griffith disagrees.

"I think [Sean Payton's] very confident in the team this year," Griffith said, via Andrew Mason of 104.3 The Fan. "We're going to surprise a lot of people. He talks about it a lot to us, too. He's like, 'Hey, you know — real comfortable with the guys this year. And we're ready to go. Got a lot of work to do still, but we're ready.'"

If the Broncos do take the NFL by surprise, it will likely be because of the defense, which Griffith is hoping to be a big part of.

The 27-year-old missed the entire 2023 season after tearing his ACL last August but thinks he is finally healthy.

"I mean, I definitely have room to grow from conditioning and everything, but I'm 100%," Griffith added. "I participated fully in OTAs and minicamp, and honestly, my knee feels better than it did before. It's great, man. And I have no pain. And I'm itching [to play a game]."

Griffith must first battle with linebackers Cody Barton, Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto for playing time next to Alex Singleton, but he's confident he'll find his way back onto the field to have his best season yet.

"Honestly, my goal is to be All-Pro this year," Griffith concluded. "Just measuring myself versus other top linebackers in the league, I think I can be that. Just go out there and do what I do, just take my game to the next level and don't leave any meat on that bone."

Of course, another big factor in Denver surprising its opponents this year will be the quarterback play of Zach Wilson and rookie Bo Nix, but the defense must do its part as both still have much to prove.

Griffith has 92 tackles, one fumble recovery, one interception and one pass defensed in his four-year NFL career, which began as an undrafted rookie in 2020.