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3 Denver Broncos who have to take the next step this season

By Jakob Ashlin

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 23: KJ Hamler #1 and Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos during the national anthem before the game against the New York Jets at Empower Field At Mile High on October 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 23: KJ Hamler #1 and Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos during the national anthem before the game against the New York Jets at Empower Field At Mile High on October 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos cornerback Damarri Mathis (27) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

Broncos who have to take the next step this season: 2. CB Damarri Mathis

Pass defense is far from a problem for the Broncos. Superstar defensive backs Patrick Surtain II and Justin Simmons headline one of the best secondaries in the NFL, but the unit will have to rely heavily on second-year cornerback Damarri Mathis this season.

Last season, Mathis stepped in for the injured veteran Ronald Darby during Week 5. Mathis went on to start 11 games. In pass coverage, he allowed 56 completions for 513 yards on 81 targets. Overall, he recorded 65 combined tackles, one tackle for loss, and seven passes defended.

The fourth-round pick was thrown into the fire last season, and given the circumstances, there is plenty to be encouraged about.

In March, the Broncos cut Darby, in order to free up $9.6 million in cap space. As a result, Mathis is projected to continue serving as the Broncos’ number two cornerback.

With Surtain on the other side, opposing quarterbacks will continue to aggressively target Mathis this season. If he can take a leap in his development, Denver’s defense will become even more impenetrable.

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