The Broncos have developed an intriguing young roster(only six players above 30) replete with unknown quantities.and almost nobody outside of Denver is expecting much from the team. Heading into 2018, the Broncos have re-established the balance of youth and veteran savvy on the roster. Last year, Denver received next to no production from their rookie class or their 2016 cohorts. The Broncos hired a bunch of new coaches which new schemes and players should light a fire in the stale personnel rooms.

Athletic Comparable's: Bradley Chubb-Jadeveon Clowney; Courtland Sutton-Larry Fitzgerald, Alshon Jeffery; Royce Freeman-Steven Jackson, D’Onta Foreman; DeaSean Hamilton-Jerricho Cotchery, Robert Woods; Troy Fumagalli-Austin Hooper. The Broncos have also placed a renewed emphasis on analytics, turning over every rock to improve. Head Coach Vance Joseph has a wire to Mitch Tanney the in-house analytics guru, for game management stuff during games. Joseph still makes the decision and 2017 didn't highlight "good" decision making. Players who stood out during Denver's voluntary OTAs: Phillip Lindsay, RB, Jake Butt, TE, Josey Jewell, LB, Paxton Lynch, QB, Bradley Chubb, OLB, Su'a Cravens, S, Brendan Langley, CB, DeMarcus Walker, DE, DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Courtland Sutton, WR.

Stock Up: Broncos DEF;

Stock Down: LB Shane Ray's (wrist) surgery will sideline Ray for three months, missing the start of the 2018 season; Carlos Henderson; LB Dieontrez Mount (torn Achilles) waived.

QB Case Keenum now gets to be 'the man' for the first time in his career and not a fill-in quarterback. Keenum doesn't have the strongest arm, but he is efficient and accurate as a passer - and he should be a huge upgrade over 2017. With weapons around him like wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, Keenum should be able to at least duplicate his 2017 numbers (3,500 passing yards, 22 touchdowns) with his new team. The Broncos want to run the ball and play great defense, so that could limit the numbers Keenum posts through the air. The team's formula, with Keenum running the show, should lead to more wins and perhaps a push for the playoffs in 2018. QB Paxton Lynch has appeared sharp in OTA practices, making better decisions and protecting the ball [than other quarterbacks], connecting with veterans and rookies alike and showing good command of the offense. At this juncture, he has the upper-hand for QB2 duties, but training camp and preseason will be the true determining factors.

Over two years in the league, RB Devontae Booker has failed to make a positive impression and has a career average of 3.6 yards per carry. He's a back who runs with build-up power but struggles when running through trash at the line of scrimmage. Booker is more comfortable in a power-gap system, but under Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave the Broncos should go back to their zone-blocking concepts. That's not a great fit for Booker as he lacks the decisiveness and patience to flourish in that system. Booker has great hands and is effective as a receiver out of the backfield. RB Royce Freeman is capable of being a 'bell cow' back and is an underrated receiver if the team wants him on the field for all three downs. The Broncos want to emphasize running the ball this year, but a RBBC approach with Booker and Freeman would limit the fantasy value of both. RB DeAngelo Henderson can work as a change-of-pace back. RB David Williams is a pure power back and is in a dead heat with RB Phillip Lindsay for the fourth running back spot. FB Andy Janovich is not a lock for the 53-man roster. Running backs and tight ends will be essential to making Musgrave's offense work.

The departure of C. J. Anderson left 275 touches (74%) vacated in the Broncos backfield. Third round is considerable draft equity to spend on a running back. Freeman looks the part, with nimble feet for a 229-pound back, and he runs with a low center of gravity, keeping his legs churning through contact. He’ll need to prove he can contribute in the passing game, He was nicked up throughout his final two seasons, but if he can stay healthy, he has as high ceiling. He is proving to be the between-the-tackles banger the Broncos need. Both Williams and Freeman have vision, patience and make decisive cuts. Lindsay is active in the passing game, serving as a crucial outlet-a good scat back/third-down back. Defusing a pressure defense often involves throwing to the running backs, all of whom are making receptions in space. The running back battle promises to be one of the most intense in training camp.

WRs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders both have two years remaining on their current deals. Thomas should see a resurgence in his production as he is still big and capable of being a great red-zone target, but has lost a step and is no longer a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He could be a 1,000-yard receiver with 8-10 touchdowns. Sanders should see a boost in his production, but needs to stay healthy. The potential is there for 75-catches. WRs Sutton and Hamilton should be the Broncos wide receiver duo of the future with Hamilton playing the Sanders role in the future - or perhaps sooner if Sanders struggles to stay healthy. Sutton is another big body in the red zone—an area where Denver's struggled in recent years, converting no more than 18 percent of their red zone passes into touchdowns over the last three seasons. Sutton looks the part, standing 6-foot-3 and playing like a fearless behemoth across the middle of the field. What he lacks in explosiveness, Sutton makes up for with physicality and a talent for walling off defenders and making tough catches. He’ll need a quarterback willing to trust his ability to win 50/50 balls, because he’s unlikely to get much separation, but Sutton has the talent to thrive as a pro. He has a nice floor as a big-bodied possession receiver but also has WR1 potential. Hamilton uses his 6-foot-1 frame well and demonstrates precise timing coming in and out of his breaks. He lacks the game-breaking speed to be a consistent threat outside, but his size and work ethic will help him be the number four wide receiver in 2018. Hamilton will know the playbook inside and out and will use his body and high football IQ to overcome his inability to win battles based on athleticism. Hamilton never gives up on a play and will catch a lot of bail-out balls when plays break down. WR Carlos Henderson (hamstring) is at risk of missing the final roster if he can't get back on the field, according to head coach Vance Joseph. Isaiah McKenzie's fumble problems plagued him last year and Jordan Taylor lacks polish as a receiver and is recovering from off season surgery.

Denver hopes TE Jake Butt will emerge after being injured his entire rookie year. Case Keenum uses his tight end effectively and Butt is an all-purpose tight end. Whether at tight-end or outside the numbers at the wide-receiver spot, Butt has the body control to get open. Jeff Heuerman has done nothing to impress at the pro level in two consecutive years of health, and is no lock for the 53-man roster. Troy Fumagalli, has vacuum-like hands despite missing the index finger on his left hand. He has a natural feel for coverage and can find soft spots in zone upside as a pass-catching threat, defense. He may lack the agility and athleticism to beat linebackers and safeties, but has upside as a pass-catching threat. Austin Traylor is strong at the point of attack and a sneaky receiver who can find the soft spot in a zone.

PK Brandon McManus only made 75 percent of his 32 field goal attempts, including two misses under 30 yards. He hasn't gotten over 35 field goal attempts during his tenure with the Broncos. P Marquette King is a directional kicker Phnom and special teams weapon. The returner job is an open competition, no player has laid claim to the job.

The Denver defense looks to rebound from a down (for them) year in 2017. OLB Shane Ray, simply hasn’t done enough, and proven he can stay healthy. S Will Parks.was given more opportunities for playing time on defense and he was found wanting. The Broncos down linemen are used mostly to tie up blockers and occasionally push the pocket, but pass rushing has been a point of emphasis for the Broncos this spring. Miller is a yearly lock for 10-12 sacks. Rookie Bradley Chubb, gifted extended first-string reps by Ray's absence, is easily talented enough to produce a Joey Bosa type of rookie year. Fourth-round rookie Josey Jewell is the heir apparent to either Brandon Marshall or Todd Davis on the inside. Jeff Holland is a rotational player that can pressure the quarterback. CB Chris Harris, Jr remains a truly elite cover man, particularly in the slot. Tramaine Brock, has long been solid in a complementary spot. Third-round pick Isaac Yiadom looks like a special teamer who will be a gunner dime depth as a rookie. Brandon Langley is showing his athleticism and appears to have learned what it takes off the field to stick and find success. Su'a Cravens looks like a key piece of the puzzle for the defense.

Don't read too much into OTAs The Broncos are expected back in Dove Valley to begin training camp July 27 with the first practice July 28 @ 9:30 AM

QB Case Keenum's supporting cast is close to being as strong as Minnesota’s. The question is, Will Musgrave's offense be as quarterback friendly as Shumur's?

RB Royce Freeman's opportunity is immense on a team missing a league-high 359 carries from last year. Freeman is the favorite for carries and goal-line work.

RB Booker returns as by far the most proven pass-blocking back on the team and is the front-runner for catches. He's a late-round flyer.

WR Demaryius Thomas is in a slow-but-steady career descent and turns 31 later this year. Thomas’ post-catch skill has eroded and his speed is average at best now. Keenum’s quarterback upgrade offers hope for the consistent number one receiver.

WR Emmanuel Sanders, now healthy, looks like he is slated more slot work. Keenum’s likes/uses slot at a high rate. He is the best value pick of the Bronco receivers.

WR Courtland Sutton is the favorite to run outside routes in three-receiver sets. His main competition for three-wide work will come from fellow rookie DaeSean Hamilton, who profiles as more of an interior receiver than Sutton. Carlos Henderson's place in the Broncos’ plans is unclear.

TE Jeff Heuerman has no documented track record of pass-catching productivity. 2016 Mackey Award winner, TE Jake Butt is the Broncos’ highest-ceiling tight end.

PK Brandon McManus is a waiver wire watch.

End.