Broncos Player Superlatives Predictions

I've seen this game going around on twitter, so I figured I'd jump in and give some explanations to my picks.

Breakout guy:Shelby Harris
Some might think Harri broke out last year.  But he only played on 36% of the defensive snaps last year, and this year as the presumptive starter at NT he should get a much bigger opportunity to blossom.  Harris should be able to greatly improve his 1.5 sacks from a year ago and will make a big difference in generating pressure up the middle to help Von and Chubb.

Comeback kid: Royce Freeman
Royce Freeman was looking like the presumptive starter last year until Phillip Lindsay took the job and held it all season.  Freeman was hobbled by injuries and some struggles in pass blocking assignments that limited his snaps on the field.  Freeman should get another chance to earn some plays, as the Shannahan offense has always been open to multiple rushers earning big yards.

Rising Star: Phillip Lindsay
As if there was any question of who could go here.  Lindsay showed what made him one of the best running backs in Colorado history.  With an offensive scheme that actually works, this year could be even better.

Don't forget about: Will Parks/Justin Simmons 
The young Safety tandem has been a bit overlooked this offseason, but they're both heading into the last year of their contracts.   Even if Kareem Jackson moves to a safety spot,  Will Parks was a difference make last year in his back up role (Pittsburgh game anyone?).  Justin Simmons struggled some especially early last season in his first year as a starter, but his play this year will be crucial for a secondary that looks to rebound.

Needs to rebound: Garrett Bolles
Bolles play so far has been uneven in his first two years in the league.  Too many penalties and footwork that gets sloppy.  But when his game is on as it was during a streak last season, you can see why he was a 1st round pick.  His play dipped as the season ended, but with Mike Munchak now working to improve his technique its time for him to bounce back.

Darkhorse MVP:  Courtland Sutton 
In 2014, Joe Flacco played in a similar system to what we're expecting from Rich Scangarello this year.  He put up career numbers that year, and if he can come close to those numbers, Sutton will be the breakout star.  Steve and Torrey Smith combined for 226 targets, with 1832 yards.  Sutton showed a lot of promise last year, and I believe this offensive system will give a chance to be a big breakout star.  If he can provide a constant threat to defenses, his ability to break huge plays can open up things for the run game, as well as keep the offense from grinding to a halt as teams stack the box.

Under the Radar: Josey Jewell
The whole pre-draft process was talk about how Vic Fangio needed a better inside linebacker.  Denver added Justin Hollins, who is much more of an EDGE than ILB.  Jewell had his moments of misplay last year, but overall stepping into a mess of a defense and playing as well as he did speaks volumes to the solid player he is.  He fits much better in Fangio's system that emphasizes zone for Linebackers over man coverage, and he is a sure tackler.