Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos rookie fifth-round running back Audric Estime (knee) missed most of the offseason program after undergoing a minor scope of his knee, but he's expected to be "full-go" for the starting of training camp in a few weeks, according to head coach Sean Payton. In limited action in front of the media this offseason, Estime looked the part of a RB who can bring more short-yardage toughness to Denver's backfield, but it remains to be seen if he can supplant Javonte Williams as an every-down option in 2024. The 20-year-old from Notre Dame is probably a long shot to become the team's lead back, at least earlier in his rookie season, but he could take over goal-line duties fairly quickly, which could make him worth a late-round flier in deep fantasy leagues as a handcuff for Williams.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. was the first selection of the Sean Payton era, landing with the organization at the end of the second round in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, he caught just 22 of his 33 targets for 377 yards and one touchdown. He was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro selection as a returner, and Jon Heath of Broncos Wire believes he should be more involved in the offense in 2024. "Mims is poised to make a big impact as a returner again in 2024, but his contributions won't end there," Heath wrote. "Mims averaged 17.1 yards per reception last fall, but he was used sporadically on offense. After trading Jerry Jeudy to the Browns this spring, the Broncos will have more snaps (and targets) available for Mims on offense this fall. The 22-year-old special teams ace could be on the verge of a breakout year as a receiver." Mims will compete with Josh Reynolds, Troy Franklin, and Tim Patrick for snaps, all of whom aren't standout pass-catchers. The Broncos are likely to have one of the worst offenses in the NFL under rookie quarterback Bo Nix, but Mims could still be a solid late-round fantasy option considering his price outside the top 75 wide receivers.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton refused to comment on whether he plans to attend training camp, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. Sutton, who is still seeking a contract extension but remains in a "stalemate" with the Broncos, admitted he considered skipping minicamp. He remains optimistic about getting an extension signed before training camp begins. "We'll see what happens,'' Sutton said. "We've got a month to be able to get things situated and hopefully things get situated. ... This is where I want to be, this is home, this is where I want to hoist the Lombardi trophy, this is where I want to retire.'' The 28-year-old is coming off a relatively modest 2024 campaign in which he caught 59 passes for 772 yards but did record a career-high 10 touchdowns. With Jerry Jeudy shipped off to Cleveland, Sutton is in line to operate as Denver's No. 1 wide receiver. However, a quarterback room featuring Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Zach Wilson leaves a lot to be desired. Inconsistent quarterback play could keep Sutton in the WR3 tier for fantasy football this year.

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin has reportedly looked more explosive during offseason workouts and mandatory minicamp. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has praised McLaughlin for his speed and explosiveness. It certainly appears that McLaughlin could earn himself a bigger role next season. However, he still has to compete in a crowded backfield with Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, and rookie fifth-rounder Audric Estime. McLaughlin might be able to earn more snaps, but it probably won't be anything that will raise his draft stock by much.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he will get the chance to be Sean Payton's QB of the future. So far this offseason, Denver's coaching staff has continually praised Nix's maturity level and growth. "There is a maturity level," offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. "I think when you draft a guy who is a little bit older, you hope that that comes with it, but he's certainly shown that. You can feel his 61 games played in college. With experience, a calmness comes along with it. So he certainly doesn't feel like a rookie." College football's all-time leader in career starts will be 24 years old when he takes his first regular-season snap, and he'll have to exceed expectations to elevate a weak supporting cast in the competitive AFC West. While the team expects Nix to perform well right away, he has limited fantasy upside due to a lack of weapons and the struggles rookies usually face.