There are a lot of ways for players to “arrive” in the NFL. But most of the time, good players show out in their 2nd year.

While some players like Patrick Surtain II can show up big and be a starting force as rookies, the game is typically too fast for them to really show what they can do. We hear the phrase, “the game is slowing down” said about players’ development.

I hold that that’s an apt description of the difference between playing the college football game and lining up in the NFL as a pro. NFL players are strong, fast, freakish athletes and when a player is in college, they just don’t have situations where they are surrounded by that kind of talent from a competition standpoint.

The Broncos have 13 players entering their 2nd year in the league. I’m expecting big steps forward from Javonte Williams, Patrick Surtain II, Caden Sterns, and Quinn Meinerz. I feel like those 4 guys looked ready for 2022 at the end of their rookie years.

Outside of those 4 guys that should threaten for starting positions if not win them outright, I like the opportunities that Jonathan Cooper and Baron Browning have. Both showed great athletic prowess and they have a shot to make a role for themselves as rotational pass rushers who can impact games in a positive way.

What about you, Broncos Country? Who are you looking at to take a big step forward in their 2nd year in the NFL?

Broncos News

'When I’m locked in … I can tell I’m hard to beat': After stellar rookie season, Pat Surtain II looks to improve consistency in Year 2
As Surtain approaches Year 2 in Denver, he’s focused on adding consistency to a level of play that led to one of the best rookie seasons for a cornerback in team history.

Inside the second week of the Broncos' offseason program
Take an inside look at the Broncos' offseason workout program, as the team continues its strength and conditioning work in mid-April.

Other NFL News

2022 NFL Draft: Which prospect might not be a first-round pick, but SHOULD be?
Just 32 players will be selected on the opening night of the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas, but the talent runs far deeper. So, which prospect might not be a first-round pick, but SHOULD be? NFL Network analysts have four players in mind.

2022 NFL Draft: Ranking running backs, No. 1 to 36
With the 2022 NFL Draft just around the corner, Maurice Jones-Drew takes a look at this year's running back class, ranking the top 36 prospects at the position.

Cooper Kupp says he's 'not trying to beat anybody' when he reaches extension with Los Angeles Rams
The Rams' Cooper Kupp said Tuesday that he's not looking to reset the wide receiver market with his new contract.

QB Justin Fields says his mindset is 'completely different' in Year 2 with Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields says his mindset right now is "completely different" from where it was last season at this time as a rookie.

NBC announces new ‘Sunday Night Football’ broadcast team for 2022 season - Sports Illustrated
Cris Collinsworth will return alongside a new play-by-play voice and sideline reporter this fall.

Browns being investigated for alleged tanking - Sports Illustrated
The Cleveland Browns are being investigated for alleged tanking. Mary Jo White is leading an independent probe into allegations made by Hue Jackson.

Deebo Samuel is the reason he hasn’t secured contract extension from 49ers: report - Sports Illustrated
NFL insider: “The 49ers are ready. Deebo Samuel is the one who has put a halt to everything for right now.”