Broncos 2022 Training Camp Primer

The Broncos got the 2022 season started as Training Camp is underway in Dove Valley. This year begins with a sense of excitement the Broncos haven't had since Peyton Manning retired after a Super Bowl 50 win in 2015. Russell Wilson is now the Broncos quarterback after a blockbuster trade in March, and there is a new head coach in town as Nathaniel Hackett takes over the helm. There is also a new owner in Denver. Rob Walton is now the owner for the Broncos, and the anticipation for this season is off the charts. Here is the annual Training Camp primer to break it all down....

Where We Left Off: The Broncos were on the losing end of a tough game to the Kansas City Chiefs at home to finish the 2021 season with a disappointing 7-10 record. The Broncos 3-0 and 7-6 during the season, and there was legitimate playoff hopes, but a four-game losing streak to end the year put those hopes to bed. Denver finished with their fifth straight losing season, and missed the playoff for the the sixth year in a row.

What Happened Since? First, Denver fired head coach Vic Fangio the day after the season ended. It was not a surprise by any means. They hired Nathaniel Hackett, who was previously Green Bay's offensive coordinator, to become the next head coach of the team. Then, in March, General Manager George Paton made a huge trade for QB Russell Wilson. It was one of the biggest trades in NFL history. This was a franchise altering move. Later in the spring, Rob Walton become the new owner of the Broncos. A lot has changed since that last game of the 2021 season, and there is real hope in Broncos Country heading into 2022. 

Position Battles at Camp: Some people might say the battle for the starting RB position between Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon is a critical one to watch in camp, but we know that both guys will get plenty of carries and contribute throughout the year. I think the biggest position to watch is the interior of the offensive line. Between the Center and Guard spots, which players will emerge as starters? Lloyd Cushenberry, Quinn Meinerz, Graham Glasgow, and Dalton Risner are all vying for a combination of those three starting spots. 

Surprise Cuts: I wouldn't be surprised to see someone like Risner or Glasgow get cut if they don't start. There might not be enough room for those guys if things don't pan out for them.

Out of Nowhere Players: A name to keep an eye on is rookie WR Montrell Washington. He has looked really good in camp so far, and apparently he has a lot of rapport with Russell Wilson already. He might make an impact at receiver and in the return game.

Biggest Questions That Need To Be Answered: The Broncos need to find out how well this offense runs with Wilson at the controls. WR Tim Patrick tore his ACL in the beginning of camp and he is done for the season. Which receivers will step up in his absence? Can Wilson find comfort learning a new offense in time for the regular season? Also, how will this defense gel and come together with a new coordinator. As much as Vic Fangio struggled with being a head coach, he did a great job with this defense. Can that defense come together and continue to be dominant? 

Rob Walton Wins Bid and Becomes New Owner of the Denver Broncos

 Rob Walton, the heir of Walmart, successfully won the bid for the Denver Broncos and becomes the new owner for the storied franchise. Walton bought the Broncos for a record price of $4.65 billion. Walton's ownership group includes his daughter Carrie Walton Penner and her husband Greg Penner. This is a historic moment for the Broncos and one that fans saw coming when Pat Bowlen stepped away from the team in 2014 and eventually after he passed away. Once the Bowlen children couldn't come to an agreement on a controlling owner, the Broncos were going to be put up for sale. This ends that process that has played out over the past few years.

Walton is one of the richest people on the planet. He becomes the richest owner in the NFL. How that will affect the Broncos will be determined, but it certainly won't hurt to have an owner will deep financial pockets. 

As much as it is an end of an era for the Broncos and the Pat Bowlen family, it finally brings some closure to the ownership situation and allows the Broncos to move forward. With the new owner, there might be a distinct possibility of a new stadium for the Broncos and other enhancements financially. 

As for the on-the-field product, the Broncos are trending upward. George Paton has done a great job of reworking this franchise with draft picks, signings, and the trade for franchise QB Russell Wilson. New head coach, Nathaniel Hackett, has brought some energy and positivity to the locker room, and the team looks like it is ready to contend. As long as Walton and his group don't meddle or interfere, then the Broncos should be good to go. On the flip side, hopefully Walton and his group truly invest themselves into the experience of being a NFL owner and embrace the Broncos, Colorado, and the rapid fanbase. 

Broncos 2022 Schedule

Here is the unveiling of the Denver Broncos 2022 schedule and a little analysis added in...

WEEK 1-Monday 9/12/22: @ Seattle (ESPN) 8:15pm EST

WEEK 2-Sunday 9/18/22:  Houston (CBS) 4:25pm EST

WEEK 3- Sunday 9/25/22: San Francisco (NBC) 8:20pm EST

WEEK 4-Sunday 10/2/22: @Las Vegas (CBS) 4:25pm EST

WEEK 5-Thursday 10/6/22: Indianapolis (Amazon Prime) 8:15pm EST

WEEK 6-Monday 10/17/22: @LA Chargers (ESPN) 8:15pm EST

WEEK 7-Sunday 10/23/22: New York Jets (CBS) 4:05pm EST

WEEK 8-Sunday 10/30/22: Jacksonville (London) (ESPN+) 9:30am EST

WEEK 9- BYE

WEEK 10-Sunday 11/13/22: @Tennessee (CBS) 1:00pm EST

WEEK 11-Sunday 11/20/22: Las Vegas (FOX) 4:05pm EST

WEEK 12-Sunday 11/27/22: @Carolina (FOX) 1:00pm EST

WEEK 13-Sunday 12/4/22: @Baltimore (CBS) 1:00pm EST

WEEK 14-Sunday 12/11/22: Kansas City (NBC) 8:20pm EST

WEEK 15-Sunday 12/18/22: Arizona (FOX) 4:05pm EST

WEEK 16-Sunday 12/25/22: @LA Rams (CBS) 4:30pm EST

WEEK 17-Sunday 1/1/23: @ Kansas City (CBS) 1:00pm EST

WEEK 18-Sunday 1/8/23: LA Chargers (CBS) 4:25pm EST

-The Broncos are back as a national draw with Russell Wilson now their QB. They open the season with FOUR primetime games in the first SIX weeks. That's how it should be in Denver.

-I love that they put the season opener in Seattle on Monday Night Football. Why wait for the Russell Wilson return to Seattle? Plus, I love that it is a regular 8:15pm EST start time instead of a late 10:00 start.

-I hate that the Broncos are going to London to play the Jaguars, and I hate it even more that it is on at 9:30am EST. The last time Denver went to London was 2010 and it was a regular 1:00pm EST start time. I'm not a fan at all of this scenario this year.

-It's better that Denver hosts a Thursday Night game rather than go on the road. That will help them when Indy comes to down in Week 5.

-I feel like the first half of Denver's schedule is very favorable. I think they can definitely be 2-0 or 3-0 right out of the gate. I could see a 6-2 or 5-3 start after the first eight games.

-I like that the bye is right at Week 9 in the middle of the season.

-The back-to-back road games at Carolina and at Baltimore will be tricky in Weeks 12 and 13. That makes the Ravens game a lot harder for them considering that is on the backend of those two road games.

-The Broncos last six games are going to be a gauntlet. Three road games (at Balt, at Rams, at KC) plus home games against KC, Arizona, and the Chargers. That is going to be a rough stretch. They have to hope for 3-3 split those last six games.

-I love the fact that the Broncos are playing on Christmas Day at 4:30 against the Rams. Christmas Day works better for me than Christmas Eve, so I'll take that.

-I always like to see the Broncos finish at home the last game of the regular season, so it was nice to see them host the Chargers in Week 18. We'll see if that will be for a playoff berth or a division title. 

Broncos 2022 Draft Class

 The 2022 NFL Draft wasn't necessarily about the picks the Broncos were making. It was about supplementing their team to make a run with newly acquired, franchise QB Russell Wilson. With no pick in the first round, the Broncos had to wait to pick #64 in the second round to make their first selection. This draft wasn't really about the future, it was about the present. Here are the Broncos draft picks and a little analysis for each.

Round 2 Pick #64: Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma: You can never have enough pass rushers and adding Bonitto to the group could help in that area. I would expect Bonitto to be a rotational guy next year.

Round 3 Pick #80: Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA: The Broncos need another TE to go with Albert O. Dulcich is a pass-catching TE, so this could potentially be a solid pick. I would expect him to break into the lineup at some point this year. 

Round 4 Pick #115: Demarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh: I don't know much about Mathis, but you need plenty of corners throughout the season. Look for Mathis to try and break in as a 5th CB and contribute on special teams. 

Round 4 Pick #116: Eyioma Uwazurike, DL, Iowa State: Another player that I don't know much about, but I would expect Uwazurike to get into a rotation on the defensive line. 

Round 5 Pick #152: Delarrin Turner-Yell, S, Oklahoma: Turner-Yell will try to break through a crowded Safety group. He could contribute on special teams as well.

Round 5 Pick #162: Montrell Washington, WR/KR, Samford: Washington is one of the more intriguing picks on Day Three. He could fill the void as a returner and make an impact from the beginning. 

Round 5 Pick #171: Luke Wattenberg, C/G, Washington: A depth lineman who can play both C and Guard. Should be able to make the final 53 man roster.

Round 6 Pick #206: Matt Henningsen, DL, Wisconsin: A depth pick for the defensive line. Henningsen hopes to make the 53 man roster and join the rotation of defensive linemen, but realistically he is looking a practice squad designation. 

Round 7 Pick #232: Faion Hicks, CB, Wisconsin: Maybe Hicks stands out and cracks the main roster or most likely he is a practice squad candidate as well. 

2022 Mock Draft

Here is my 2022 Mock Draft. I didn't include trades this year, so this is a little different than year's past. Enjoy!

Round 1

1) Jacksonville Jaguars select Travon Walker, DL, Georgia 

2) Detroit Lions select Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan 

3) Houston Texans select Ikem Ekwonu, G, NC State 

4) New York Jets select Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

5) New York Giants select Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

6) Carolina Panthers select Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt

7) New York Giants select Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

8) Atlanta Falcons select Drake London, WR, USC  

9) Seattle Seahawks select Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

10) New York Jets select Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

11) Washington Commanders select Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

12) Minnesota Vikings select Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

13) Houston Texans select Charles Cross, OT, Miss State

14) Baltimore Ravens select Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

15) Philadelphia Eagles select Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

16) New Orleans Saints select Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

17) Los Angeles Chargers select Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

18) Philadelphia Eagles select Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

19) New Orleans Saints select Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

20) Pittsburgh Steelers select Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

21) New England Patriots select Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

22) Green Bay Packers select Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

23) Arizona Cardinals select George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

24) Dallas Cowboys select Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

25) Buffalo Bills select Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State 

26) Tennessee Titans select Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa 

27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M

28) Green Bay Packers select Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Penn State

29) Kansas City Chiefs select Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas 

30) Kansas City Chiefs select Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota 

31) Cincinnati Bengals select Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida A

32) Detroit Lions select Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

2022 NFL Draft Cheat Sheet-Offensive Players

 Quarterbacks

1) Malik Willis, Liberty

2) Kenny Pickett, Pitt

3) Matt Corral, Ole Miss

4) Sam Howell, North Carolina

5) Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

Running Backs

1) Kenneth Walker, Michigan State

2) Breece Hall, Iowa State

3) Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M

4) Dameon Pierce, Florida

5) Kyren Williams, Notre Dame

6) Jashaun Corbin, Florida State

7) Tyler Allgeier, BYU

8) Zamir White, Georgia

9) Rachaad White, Arizona State

10) Zonovan Knight, NC State

Wide Receivers 

1) Garett Wilson, Ohio State

2) Jameson Williams, Alabama

3) Drake London, USC

4) Treylon Burks, Arkansas 

5) Chris Olave, Ohio State

6) George Pickens, Georgia

7) Jahan Dotson, Penn State

8) Christian Watson, North Dakota State

9) Skyy Moore, Western Michigan

10) John Metchie III, Alabama

11) Khalil Shakir, Boise State

12) Calvin Austin III, Memphis

13) Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama

14) Justyn Ross, Clemson

15) Wan'Dale Robinson, Kentucky

Tight End

1) Trey McBride, Colorado State

2) Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State

3) Greg Dulcich, UCLA

4) Charlie Kolar, Iowa State

5) Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin

6) Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina

7) Cade Otton, Washington

8) Jelani Woods, Virginia

9) Chigoziem Okonkwo, Maryland

10) Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M

Offensive Tackle

1) Evan Neal, Alabama

2) Charles Cross, Miss State

3) Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

4) Darian Kinnard, Kentucky

5) Nicholas Petit-Frere, Ohio State

6) Daniel Faalele, Minnesota

7) Sean Rhyan, UCLA

8) Abraham Lucas, Wash State

9) Tyler Smith, Tulsa

10) Kellen Diesch, Arizona State

11) Max Mitchell, Louisiana 

12) Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan 

13) Rasheed Walker, Penn State

14) Thayer Munford, Ohio State

15) Matt Waletzko, North Dakota State

Offensive Guard

1) Iken Ekwonu, NC State

2)  Kenyon Green, Texas A&M

3)  Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan

4) Zion Johnson, Boston College

5) Jamaree Salyer, Georgia

6) Dylan Parham, Memphis

7) Cole Strange, Chattanooga 

8) Ed Ingram, LSU

9) Marquis Hayes, Oklahoma

10) Cade Mays, Tennessee 

Center

1) Tyler Lindenbaum, Iowa

2) Dohnovan West, Arizona State

3) Luke Fortner, Kentucky

4) Alec Lindstrom, BC

5) Michael Maietti, Missouri 

 

2022 NFL Draft Cheat Sheet-Defensive Players

 EDGE

1) Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

2) Kayvon Thibodeauz, Oregon

3) Jermaine Johnson, Florida St

4) George Karlaftis, Purdue

5) Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State

6) David Ojabo, Michigan

7) Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina

8) Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati 

9) Sam Williams, Ole Miss

10) Drake Jackson, USC

Defensive Line

1) Travon Walker, Georgia

2) Jordan Davis, Georgia

3) Boye Mafe, Minnesota

4) Devonte Wyatt, Georgia

5) Logan Hall, Houston

6) Cameron Thomas, San Diego State

7) DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M

8) Phidarian Mathis, Alabama

9) Travis Jones, UCONN

10) Kalia Davis, UCF

Linebacker

1) Nakobe Dean, Georgia

2) Devin Lloyd, Utah

3) Troy Andersen, Montana State

4) Chad Muma, Wyoming

5) Christian Harris, Alabama

6) Leo Chenal, Wisconsin

7) Brian Asamoah, Oklahoma

8) Quay Walker, Georgia

9) Channing Tindall, Georgia

10) Micah McFadden, Indiana 

Cornerback

1) Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati

2) Derek Stingley Jr., LSU

3) Andrew Booth, Clemson

4) Trent McDuffie, Washington

5) Roger McCreary, Auburn

6) Kaiir Elam, Florida

7) Kyler Gordon, Washington

8) Marcus Jones, Houston

9) Martin Emerson, Miss State

10) Josh Jobe, Alabama

11) Tariq Woolen, UTSA

12) Derion Kendrick, Georgia

13) Zyon McCollum, Sam Houston State

14) Coby Bryant, Cincinnati

15) Mario Goodrich, Clemson 

Safety

1) Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

2) Daxton Hill, Michigan

3) Lewis Cine, Georgia

4) Jaquan Brisker, Penn State

5) Jalen Pitre, Baylor

6) Kerby Jospeh, Illinois 

7) Bryan Cook, Cincinnati 

8) Cordale Flott, LSU

9) Nick Cross, Maryland

10) Verone McKinley III, Oregon