In the 30 days leading up to the start of Denver Broncos Training Camp 2016, we’re examining 30 big questions for the season. We’ll make a case for each answer; you’ll vote and tell Broncos Country what’s going to happen this year.
In 2015, Malik Jackson transformed into an offensive lineman’s worst nightmare.
Jackson started every game for the Broncos in 2015. Jackson found ways to make his presence known, even if it wasn’t his best year statistically. He totaled 5.5 sacks along with seven batted balls during the Broncos’ Super Bowl run. Jackson even recovered a Cam Newton fumble for a touchdown that set the tone in Super Bowl 50. Jackson made a name for himself on quarterback hits and quarterback hurries. Perhaps his biggest game in that department came against the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in the AFC Championship.
Unfortunately for the Broncos, Jacksonville made Jackson an offer he couldn’t refuse when he signed a six-year, $85.5 million dollar deal back in March. There is some speculation that Jackson was a product of the dominant Denver defense. If that was the case, it just means that someone else could be primed for a big year in his absence.
Here are a few potential suitors that could be primed for a breakout season in 2016 like Jackson experienced in 2015.
Shaquil Barrett
Shaquil Barrett had some big shoes to fill in only his second year in the NFL. After going undrafted out of Colorado State in 2014, Barrett was handed the task of filling in for an injured DeMarcus Ware at outside linebacker multiple times in 2015. Barrett played in every game during the Broncos’ Super Bowl run, totaling 5.5 sacks in in the regular season. Barrett can play. If he picks up where he left off, he could have an even bigger year in 2016 than he did in 2015.
Shane Ray
DeMarcus Ware’s injured back is a very real issue for the Broncos. Thus, it might be Shane Ray’s time to shine. Ray and Shaq Barrett filled in for Ware during the weeks he missed while dealing with his back injury. Now with a year under his belt Ray might be ready to handle the starting job. Ray had four sacks in 2015. If he ends up splitting less time with Barrett, Ray’s breakout season could come in 2016.
Kayvon Webster
In a stacked Broncos secondary, it has been tough for cornerback Kayvon Webster to break through and see significant playing time on the defensive side of the ball. Webster, the Broncos’ third-round draft pick in 2013, made a name for himself on special teams in 2015. With the departure of former safety David Bruton and the possible suspension of Aqib Talib, Webster could find himself playing a number of roles in 2016. The other members of the “No Fly Zone”, may account for more passes being thrown Webster’s way. If he can capitalize on his opportunity, 2016 could be Webster’s year.
Sylvester Williams
Sylvester Williams enters his fourth season after the Broncos selected him with the 28th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft. Williams started at defensive tackle in all but one game in 2015. It was his best statistical season as a Bronco by a small margin. He had 2.5 sacks and one batted ball in the playoffs. As a defensive tackle, it’s not Williams’ job to put up huge numbers. He fills space. If he can draw double-teams that let the other pass rushers run wild or vice versa, he can have the breakout season that Malik Jackson had in 2015.
What does Broncos Country think? Who will have a breakout season in 2016?
30 QUESTIONS: Who will be this year's Malik Jackson for the Denver #Broncos?
— Mile High Sports (@MileHighSports) July 10, 2016
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