The Denver Broncos have wrapped up two weeks of camp and some fantasy ooze is slowly seeping out of Dove Valley, CO and into the minds of savvy managers.
As fantasy owners dig in for what should be a wild ride in the 2021 season, whispers start to turn into roars around NFL training camp. As a member of Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan in Colorado, I have had my finger on the pulse of Broncos training camp and will dive into what has stuck out thus far.
Jerry Jeudy
Let’s start with the obvious: Jerry Jeudy has turned a corner. Whether that corner is a cornerback that he’s turning inside-out on a route or a figurative corner in his career, Jeudy is ready to break out in 2021. A key note for Jeudy’s prospects this year will be who he’s clicking with behind center, and the eye test has provided a clear answer for who his preferred QB is thus far: Teddy Bridgewater.
Jeudy seems to have magnets on his hands when Teddy B is throwing him the ball and that could be due to Jeudy’s preference for a “floater” type QB, as opposed to a “drill” style QB that Drew Lock resembles.
No matter who the QB is, however, one thing is clear and that is that Jeudy is out to prove doubters wrong after whispers about his drops started to spread throughout the Denver media.
Courtland Sutton
Another Denver wideout to keep an eye on is Courtland Sutton. Sutton started camp slow, with much of his progress capped by a rehab schedule put in place by the Broncos to get him back on the field at one hundred percent as soon as possible following an ACL injury.
Sutton’s “hitch” in his stride was noticeable the first few days of camp but he’s really started to shed that hitch in his stride in recent days. He looks fluid coming out of breaks, pushing off his previously injured leg and creating separation, pinpointing high passes, and making the plays we are used to seeing out of the athletic wide receiver.
The Broncos are going to let Sutton play in one preseason game this year (that specific preseason game has not yet been determined) and then shut him down to focus on the regular season. It’s looking like all systems go for the rocket receiver on the outside by Week 1.
Noah Fant
Predominantly Orange
Nothing has changed about the way fantasy managers should be viewing Fant. He’s looked as wonderful as he ever has and he has sparked a friendly rivalry with superstar safety Justin Simmons in camp, letting Simmons know when he scores a touchdown with an emphatic spike.
If the Broncos’ quarterbacks can get Fant into the end zone, managers should see his numbers climb significantly in 2021. A breakout seems to be looming for Fant if you are a believer in the offense scoring points this year.
Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon
Javonte Williams continues to impress as a rookie but Melvin Gordon has looked just as good. Gordon noted recently that the RB battle between Phillip Lindsay and himself got to him a bit last year and fantasy managers have to wonder if thoughts of Williams snatching the RB1 spot won’t come creeping into Gordon’s head in 2021 as well. Those fears could be a boost for Gordon out of the gate, as he looks poised to make some noise as the starter in the offense.
Williams, however, is not far behind. Punishing defenders on runs when the pads came on and looking to make a statement with his physical play, Williams has caught the attention of head coach Vic Fangio.
A confusing backfield looks to be forming in Denver but one that fantasy managers can still take advantage of. It looks as if the Broncos will want to establish the run and set themselves up for easy conversions with their questionable quarterbacks taking a back seat.
I would fade Williams early against teams like the New York Giants until we see just how anemic the Broncos’ offense might be. I would also, however, be ready to reap the rewards later on as Denver gets comfortable smashing teams in the mouth to keep talented opposing quarterbacks off the field. On the other hand, I would roll with Gordon to begin the season, as he looks to be well positioned to cash in on a fair share of the carries to begin the 2021 season.
Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler
Tim Patrick was a breakout for the Broncos in 2020, but it’s been Jeudy, Sutton, and KJ Hamler making the pop plays in camp so far. Managers should feel uneasy about Patrick duplicating the numbers he previously was able to put up. The odds are once again stacked against him with the return of Sutton and Hamler looks poised to make enough plays to frustrate fantasy managers looking for production out of anyone besides Jeudy, Fant and Sutton. Hamler has been impressive in camp, and sets up to be a high-risk, high reward prospect once again in 2021.
Defense
Vic Fangio, Ed Donatell and Bill Kollar have this Broncos defense humming, making plays in critical camp situations and firing up the crowd. Tipped passes are becoming a regular occurrence with names like Shelby Harris, Dre’mont Jones, and McTelvin Agim wreaking havoc for Lock and Bridgewater, and Denver’s defensive backs are taking advantage. Standout safety Justin Simmons is showing the young bulls the way, as rookies Caden Sterns and Rojesterman Farris II have matched Simmons with two interceptions each so far in camp.
It’s worth noting that Von Miller and Bradley Chubb have not been mentioned yet. Miller has been keeping things light and entertaining the fans at Dove Valley, and Chubb has noted to the press that he should be near 100 percent by the time the first game of the season rolls around.
Despite being a first-round pick ahead of Justin Fields, Patrick Surtain II has actually found a way to still surprise fans and coaches with his ability to pick things up quickly and make reactionary plays, including having an interception of his own. Jerry Jeudy is known for his crisp route running, and it’s worth noting that Surtain was able to remain step-for-step with Jeudy on a few routes in camp. Surtain’s recovery ability is also outstanding, and it looks like Denver will be happy with their young secondary ballhawk.
Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock
Lastly, the quarterbacks have looked “uninspired” and fantasy managers should expect Denver’s QBs to hover around the 20-30th range in fantasy production in 2021, no matter who wins the job. Lock likes to mix it up a bit and is the more exciting player to watch but he still seems unsure about letting it rip deep in fear of turning it over. Both QBs are playing it safe but still become exposed in tight game-deciding situations. Lock will need to work on finishing off drives and building momentum in practice to avoid the mistakes that have allowed Bridgewater to hang around in the QB1 conversation.
The general consensus so far is that Lock should be pulling away by now. Word is getting out, however, that Denver’s coaches and management prefer Bridgewater and are just looking for a reason to bench Lock heading into Week 1. Lock needs to lock things into high gear quickly, or fantasy managers and Broncos coaches alike will have a tangle to untwist all year long when it comes to Denver’s offense.
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By Kyle Berry (@KyleHighRadio)
For a second straight season, I am betting against Mahomes.