The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider named QB Bo Nix, RB Audric Estime, and WR Troy Franklin as potential “breakout candidates” in 2025. Nix finished QB8 in fantasy scoring as a rookie, so you could argue he’s not a fit here. But Estime and Franklin both underwhelmed in Year 1, so there’s room for growth.
Here’s Kosmider on Nix’s 2024 finish – and what it could mean for 2025.
“Nix across the final nine games of 2024 ranked fifth in the NFL in third-down efficiency and first in completion rate (68.5 percent). That’s a pretty sturdy foundation from which to make a Year 2 leap, and the odds of that kind of improvement from Nix could increase depending on how the Broncos emerge from the draft.”
He also points out the addition of TE Evan Engram, who should help loosen defenses over the middle.
Here’s Kosmider on Troy Franklin:
“Franklin had more deep targets from Nix during the regular season and playoffs last year — 20 of 20 or more air yards — than every Broncos player besides Courtland Sutton (29). The rookie’s ability to win routes at the line of scrimmage gave him at least a chance to make numerous big plays throughout the season — he just didn’t come up with enough of them.”
Franklin managed 28 catches, 263 yards, and 2 TDs -- only 9.4 yards per catch. His lone deep-ball catch came in the postseason vs. Buffalo.
Here’s Kosmider on Audric Estime:
“If Estimé can gain Payton’s trust as a pass blocker — and show better ball security — during his second training camp, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him step into an impactful role in 2025. That’s true even if the Broncos turn to a rookie starter at running back.”
Estime's rookie season ended with 76 carries for 310 yards (4.1 yards per carry). His workloads increased down the stretch as he returned from an ankle injury.
There's not much to say about Nix. He excelled as a rookie, and his pass catching corps looks improved for 2025. Expect him to gain another pass catcher in the draft, too.
Denver also returns the same OC (Joe Lombardi), supplying a nice setup for the second-year QB.
The Broncos currently have Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin atop their depth chart -- so a RB will arrive via the draft. It's simply a matter of when. Industry mock drafts frequently have Denver taking a Round 1 or Round 2 RB, with UNC's Omarion Hampton providing one option at 20th overall.
For now, consider Estime and McLaughin only in the later rounds of best ball drafts.
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