Going to Be Phenomenal Players in the Denver Broncos

While the Denver Broncos’ 2025 playoff push has been fueled by veteran stars like Bo Nix and Pat Surtain II, the team’s long-term success hinges on a crop of young talents who are already showing flashes of becoming elite NFL players. These emerging stars—spread across offense, defense, and special teams—have not only filled key roles this season but have also demonstrated the work ethic, football IQ, and physical tools to evolve into cornerstones of the franchise. From a dynamic rookie linebacker to a versatile second-year wide receiver, these players are no longer just “projects”; they’re proven contributors who are on the cusp of breaking out. Going to Be Phenomenal Players in the Denver Broncos is a celebration of the team’s player development, as a franchise known for nurturing talent continues to build its next generation of stars.

At the top of this list is Drew Sanders, the Broncos’ second-year linebacker who has gone from a rotational backup to a defensive standout in just 12 months. Selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Sanders struggled with consistency as a rookie, but this season he’s emerged as a dual-threat force: he leads the Broncos with 6 sacks, ranks second with 78 tackles, and has added 4 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles. What makes Sanders special is his versatility—he can rush the passer from the edge, drop into coverage to shut down tight ends, and plug gaps in run defense, making him a perfect fit for Vance Joseph’s 3-4 scheme. His breakout game came in Week 9 against the Bills, where he recorded 2 sacks, 10 tackles, and a forced fumble that led to a Broncos touchdown. Coaches rave about his work ethic, noting that he stays after practice to refine his pass-rushing moves and studies film for hours to learn opponents’ tendencies. At just 23 years old, Sanders has already drawn comparisons to NFL greats like Von Miller, and his ceiling is limitless. Going to Be Phenomenal Players in the Denver Broncos starts with Sanders, as he’s quickly becoming the face of the team’s defensive future.

On the offensive side, Pat Bryant—though still a rookie—has shown enough promise to earn a spot among the Broncos’ future stars. Undrafted out of Florida in 2025, Bryant initially joined the Broncos’ practice squad but was promoted to the active roster in Week 4 after impressing coaches with his speed (4.43 40-yard dash) and route precision. While he’s cooled off in recent weeks (5 catches for 42 yards in his last four games), his early-season performance (18 receptions, 278 yards, 2 touchdowns) revealed a player who can excel in high-pressure situations. His 35-yard deep reception against the Steelers in Week 8 set up the game-winning field goal, and his ability to create yards after the catch (he averages 6.2 yards per reception after the catch) has made him a reliable target for Nix. What’s most encouraging about Bryant is his adaptability: he’s played both outside receiver and slot, and he’s even contributed on special teams as a punt returner. With more seasoning and reps, Bryant has the potential to become a consistent deep threat and a complement to (or replacement for) Jerry Jeudy if Jeudy leaves in free agency. Going to Be Phenomenal Players in the Denver Broncos includes Bryant, as he’s a testament to the Broncos’ ability to find hidden gems in undrafted free agency.

The Denver Broncos’ defensive line also boasts a future star in rookie defensive tackle Ja’Quan McMillian, who has exceeded all expectations in his first NFL season. A seventh-round pick in 2025, McMillian was expected to spend most of his rookie year on the practice squad, but injuries to Zach Allen in Week 6 forced him into action—and he hasn’t looked back. In 8 games, McMillian has recorded 28 tackles, 2 sacks, and 8 quarterback pressures, and he’s graded as the NFL’s 15th-best defensive tackle by Pro Football Focus (among rookies). His strength (he bench-presses 315 pounds) and quickness (he runs a 4.8 40-yard dash) make him a nightmare for opposing centers and guards, as he can either bull-rush through blocks or slip past them with a quick first step. In Week 12 against the Browns, McMillian sacked Deshaun Watson twice and forced a fumble, becoming the first Broncos seventh-round pick to record multiple sacks in a game since 2019. The Denver Broncos’ coaching staff has been so impressed that they’ve increased his snap count from 12% in Week 6 to 45% in Week 14, and he’s now a regular part of the defensive line rotation. Going to Be Phenomenal Players in the Denver Broncos is evident in McMillian’s rapid rise, as he’s proving that draft position doesn’t define talent.

Special teams, often an overlooked area for young talent, has given the Denver Broncos another future star in rookie punter Riley Dixon. Selected in the fifth round of 2025, Dixon has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s best young punters, ranking third in the league with a 48.2-yard average and second with a 42.1-yard net average. What sets Dixon apart is his ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory—he’s placed 23 of his 45 punts inside the 20-yard line, and just 3 have gone for touchbacks. In Week 7 against the Chiefs, Dixon punted 5 times for an average of 51.4 yards, including 3 inside the 20, helping the Broncos win the field position battle in a 34-31 victory. He’s also a threat to run or pass on fake punts, having completed a 15-yard pass for a first down in Week 5 against the Chargers. The Denver Broncos have a history of great special teams players (like Jason Elam and Britton Colquitt), and Dixon is on track to join that list. His consistency and clutch performances have made him a fan favorite, and he’s already become a critical part of the Broncos’ game plan—especially in close games where field position can decide the outcome. Going to Be Phenomenal Players in the Denver Broncos includes Dixon, as he’s showing that special teams stars can be just as impactful as those on offense or defense.

Looking ahead, the Denver Broncos’ collection of young talent positions them well for sustained success—both in 2025 and beyond. Sanders, Bryant, McMillian, and Dixon are just the tip of the iceberg; the team also has promising second-year players like offensive lineman Tyler Davis and defensive back Ja’Quan Johnson who are developing behind the scenes. What makes this group special is their alignment with the Broncos’ scheme: Sanders fits Joseph’s defensive vision, Bryant complements Lombardi’s offensive playbook, McMillian strengthens the defensive line, and Dixon elevates special teams. The Denver Broncos’ player development staff deserves credit for nurturing these talents, providing them with the reps, coaching, and mentorship they need to grow. As these players continue to mature, they’ll not only help the Broncos compete for Super Bowls in the short term but also ensure the franchise remains a contender for years to come. Going to Be Phenomenal Players in the Denver Broncos is more than just a prediction—it’s a promise of what’s to come, as a new generation of stars carries on the Broncos’ legacy of excellence.