Denver Broncos | 2023 Offseason Review

Broncos Revamp Franchise During 2023 Offseason, look for a historic turnaround with new front office, coaching and roster construction all done since the disappointing end to a 5-12 2022 season that was the first in the Russell Wilson era.

The Denver Broncos are gearing up for the 2023 season with some major changes during this offseason. A common theme lately for a historically stable franchise. After a disappointing 2022 season, the Broncos have taken a proactive approach to address their needs and improve their overall performance.

One of the biggest moves the Broncos made was signing offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powell on day one of free agency. McGlinchey and Powell were highly regarded as one of the best players at tackle and guard respectively on the market and have the potential to lead the Broncos to greater success on the field. Not to mention keeping much maligned QB Russell Wilson's jersey much cleaner. The team also added some much-needed depth at the running back position with the signing of veteran RB Samaje Perine. On the defensive side of the ball, the Broncos made several moves to improve their pass rush.

They acquired defensive end Zach Allen in free agency from the Arizona Cardinals and re- signed 2022 starting middle linebacker Alex Singleton. These additions will bring a level of experience and skill to the Broncos defense that will be crucial in the upcoming season. Overall, the Broncos have made significant strides during this offseason and have set themselves up for a promising 2023 season. With head coach Sean Payton leading the offense and a further strengthened defense, the team is poised to make noise in the AFC and a strong push for the playoffs is a realistic hope for Broncos Country.

You may have heard the Broncos made some changes to their coaching staff during the offseason. As mentioned, former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton was traded for, and the team brought back in now veteran coach Vance Joseph to be their new defensive coordinator. These changes will bring a fresh perspective to both sides of the ball, and the team is hoping that they will spur innovation and creativity when it comes to play calling.

There has also been an emphasis put on the much forgotten third phase of the game special teams. The Broncos have such a commitment they brought in three coaches to run the unit. With Special Teams Czar Mike Westhoff as Assistant Head Coach Special Teams as his official title. He is the 75-year-old vet Sean Payton pulled out of retirement to fix New Orleans special teams all those years ago post Hurricane Katrina. The second time he ended a four-year retirement to assist Payton with a transition of a woefully bad team. There is also well-respected coach Ben Kotwica with Colorado ties as the Special Team Coordinator who presided over Tress Way setting punting records in Washington and Younghoe Koo doing the same as a kicker in Atlanta. Then you have the young under study in former special team’s maven Chris Banjo who played under Coach Payton in New Orleans.

The Broncos are also excited about the development of some of their younger players. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (career high in receptions/yards/TDs in 2022) and tight end Greg Dulcich (3rd in receptions and 2nd in receiving yards among all rookie TEs in 2022 in just 10 games played) are expected to play a major role in the offense, while cornerback Patrick Surtain II and

pass rusher Baron Browning are expected to step up on the defensive side of the ball. The team is hoping that these players will continue to improve and elevate their level of play as they look to make any kind of a playoff run for the first time since they won the Super Bowl in 2015.

Finally, with rookie camp just wrapping up, we would be woe not to mention the 2023 Broncos draft crop that saw them add a lot of speed and athleticism while keeping the theme of beefing up special teams. All but one of the Broncos five draft picks, seventh-round center Alex Forsyth played extensively on special teams in college whether it be as a returner, gunner, or punt protector. Their top three prospected Marvin Mims Jr., Drew Sanders, and Riley Moss all having no less than an 8.97 out of 10 (LB Drew Sanders). Even their sixth and seventh round picks JL Skinner, a 6' safety with a 4.55 40 and Forsyth, a multi-year starting center for the Oregon Ducks are intriguing. Then the Broncos went and signed 15 undrafted free agents to finish filling out the roster.

All in all, the Denver Broncos have made some major moves during the 2023 offseason that fans are eagerly anticipating come game time. With a new coaching staff, key signings, and promising

young players ready to take on a bigger role, the Broncos have set themselves up for a successful year. It remains to be seen if they can deliver on the field, but one thing is for sure – the team is ready to take on all comers and give it their best shot.