The NFL offseason clock continues to tick and now that we have entered the month of July, training camp is just weeks away.
Training camp can often seem like going through the motions for most veterans, but for other players, it’s a chance to prove they belong. There are several players on the roster of the Denver Broncos who have something to prove this year.
Each of them has already proven they could make it in the NFL but for one reason or another, whether it’s to live up to a contract or to prove they still belong, these players have a clear and defined mission in 2019.
Garett Bolles
High expectations are always attached to first-round draft picks. Garett Bolles has fallen far short of the expectations that he came with and many are wondering if he is cut out to play at the professional level.
Bolles has looked lost at times and committed far too many penalties. If new offensive line coach Mike Munchak can’t fix him, it’s like that no one can.
Ja’Wuan James
The left tackle isn’t the only spot where the Broncos have a player with something to prove this year. Ja’Wuan James, the oft-injured right tackle who came with a hefty price tag does too.
The Broncos gambled on James but hope they can get the guy with the talent that made him a first-round pick in 2014.
DeMarcus Walker
Already deemed a draft bust by most, Walker is likely facing a make-or-break summer for the team in camp.
He was a solid pass rusher in college and that’s what the Broncos thought they were getting. But whether you want to place the blame on him or the previous coaching regime, Walker has left much to be desired.
Su’a Cravens
Cravens is as athletically gifted as just about any player on the roster, but his desire to play seems to be called into question way more often than it should.
As a result, many early 53-man roster projections out there don’t include him, so he has some work to do in order to even make the team this year.
Chris Harris
For years, Harris has been one of the most valuable players on the team. But when you publicly ask for more money or demand a trade, then get that money, you have something to prove.
Most feel Harris was worth the pay increase, but if for any reason he falters or gets injured this season, the first thing fans and members of the media will say is what a mistake it was to give in to his demands.
Joe Flacco
Of course, the new quarterback has something to prove, probably more than any other player.
Not only does Flacco need to prove he’s the right man for the job to his new team, he needs to prove it to his old team as well. Last season, Flacco ended up losing his job to a rookie quarterback who has yet to really prove he can throw the ball that well. Yes, that started due to injury, but the Baltimore Ravens had moved on from Flacco after Lamar Jackson played about three games.
When the Broncos used a second-round pick to nab a quarterback, it should have lit a fire under the veteran, giving Flacco more than enough motivation to get the job done for his new team.
