If you looked at the 19 former Broncos nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame this week and wondered if any will reach Canton, the answer is no.
This is written with no joy or satisfaction, but even the cases of receiver Demaryius Thomas (positional logjam), cornerback Aqib Talib (needed multiple All-Pro berths) and Tom Nalen (center is a forgotten position) face long odds.
So it raises an interesting question: Who will be the Broncos’ next Hall of Famer? For me, the answer is simple: Von Miller. He should be a no-doubt, zero discussion-required, first-ballot selection. Von boasts 125 career sacks and 10.5 in the postseason when he wrote a diary of havoc for championship runs with the Broncos and Rams.
Miller, 35, is experiencing a revival, netting two sacks in the first two games after posting zero last season in his return from ACL surgery. What makes this interesting is that the Broncos are going to need multiple edge rushers in 2025.
Baron Browning, who has been unable to avoid injuries, likely departs as a free agent. The Broncos will draft one to pair with Jonathon Cooper and the intriguing Jonah Elliss, but could use a veteran. More than a few Broncos players have told me over the last few months that Von would like to finish his career in Denver. He told me as much through tears when the Broncos traded him to the Rams in 2021
It is not hard to see Von wanting to return for a final season with the Broncos. There is no guarantee it will happen. But it would be fitting to see Von end his career in 2025 with in Denver, bringing full circle his journey as the franchise’s best defensive player and next Hall of Famer.
Sho-Time: The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani delivered the best offensive performance ever while making history as the sport’s first 50-50 player. Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three home runs and was a missile throw to third from completing the cycle. Ohtani has proven he is the most talented player ever. But I have to push back when people say he is the best. MLB is defined by numbers and Babe Ruth’s 714 home runs and 94 wins with a 2.28 ERA as a left-handed pitcher remain the gold standard even while acknowledging the numbers came before the sport was integrated.
Av Half Full: Logan O’Connor has been a good story for the Avs. But is this the season he becomes a great player? With injuries and suspension creating ice time, O’Conner should have a platform to reach 15 goals. And what about 20? If the Avs surprise people this season, O’Connor figures to be a reason why.
1-2-3 Kick: The Broncos boast 14 three-and-outs this season. It has led to an embarrassing statistic. Denver is one of three teams, along with the Panthers and Bears, with more punt yards than offensive yards.
Mail Time
Bo Nix shared preseason practice snaps with two other quarterbacks (Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson). It was not enough preparation for a rookie. I am not panicking.
David Amilian, email
The evaluation of Nix requires context and patience. He is a first-time starter on an offense that lacks playmakers, is too predictable and features an oddly slumping offensive line. The education of Nix, however, cannot be dismissed. He must continue to improve even if it does not result in wins. His pocket presence requires work, and he needs to clean up his mechanics. Nix is known for being on time and on target, and he has been dreadful on throws of 10-plus yards (5 of 24). This ride requires a seatbelt. Nix struggling is not a surprise. But if he doesn’t learn from it, that will be.