As the NFL preseason kicks off, there’s a certain electricity in the air—a mix of anticipation and uncertainty that only football can bring. This Friday, the Denver Broncos face the Atlanta Falcons, and while it’s just the preseason, there’s a lot more at stake than meets the eye. Personally, I think preseason games are often underrated. They’re not just glorified scrimmages; they’re a proving ground for young talent, a test of depth, and a sneak peek into what the regular season might hold. With that in mind, here are three players I’ll be watching closely, not just for their performance but for what they reveal about the Broncos’ future.
Jonah Coleman: The Rookie Running Back with a Chip on His Shoulder
One thing that immediately stands out is Jonah Coleman’s trajectory. The rookie running back has been turning heads in training camp, and it’s not hard to see why. Head Coach Sean Payton’s praise for Coleman is no small feat—Payton isn’t known for handing out compliments lightly. What makes this particularly fascinating is Coleman’s collegiate resume. Averaging 5.5 yards per carry and leading the draft class in yards after contact? That’s not just impressive; it’s a statement.
But here’s the thing: Denver’s running game has been a question mark, especially after J.K. Dobbins’ injury woes last season. Dobbins’ ‘pinky promise’ to stay healthy is endearing, but soft tissue injuries during practice don’t exactly inspire confidence. If you take a step back and think about it, Coleman isn’t just a backup plan—he’s a potential game-changer. His ability to break tackles and find the end zone could be the difference between a middling offense and a dynamic one.
What many people don’t realize is that running backs often struggle to transition from college to the pros, but Coleman’s physicality and instincts suggest he might be an exception. I’m not saying he’ll be the next Adrian Peterson, but if he can replicate even a fraction of his college success, the Broncos’ offense could look very different this season.
Red Murdock: The Underdog with a Puncher’s Chance
Now, let’s talk about Red Murdock. Drafted with the final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Murdock is the definition of an underdog. But here’s where it gets interesting: he’s not just a feel-good story. His collegiate production was off the charts, and topping Khalil Mack’s forced fumbles record is no small feat. What this really suggests is that Murdock has a knack for making big plays, and that’s exactly what the Broncos need in their linebacker corps.
Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s comments about Murdock’s progress are telling. The fact that he’s already playing faster and making calls more confidently is a great sign. But here’s the kicker: preseason is where players like Murdock either sink or swim. The NFL is a different beast, and while his college success is impressive, it’s how he adapts to the speed and complexity of the pro game that will define his career.
From my perspective, Murdock’s battle for a depth spot is one of the most intriguing storylines of the preseason. If he can translate his playmaking ability to the NFL, he could become a fan favorite—and a valuable asset for a defense that’s still finding its identity.
Jahdae Barron: The First-Round Pick at a Crossroads
Jahdae Barron is a player I’ve been keeping an eye on for a while. Drafted in the first round, he spent most of his rookie season on the sidelines, playing just 30% of defensive snaps. That’s not unusual for a young cornerback, but it does raise a deeper question: what’s his role in 2026? With Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss, and Ja’Quan McMillian ahead of him, Barron’s path to playing time isn’t clear-cut.
What makes this particularly fascinating is Barron’s potential. When he was on the field in 2025, he showed flashes of brilliance. But potential only gets you so far in the NFL. This preseason is his chance to prove he belongs in the starting lineup—or at least in a more prominent role. Will he play primarily on the outside, or will he slide into the nickelback position? That’s a detail I find especially interesting, as it could determine his impact this season.
In my opinion, Barron is at a crossroads. If he performs well in the preseason, he could solidify his place in the defense. If not, he risks becoming just another first-round pick who didn’t live up to the hype. The pressure is on, and I’m eager to see how he responds.
The Bigger Picture: What Preseason Really Tells Us
If you take a step back and think about it, preseason games are more than just a warm-up. They’re a microcosm of the NFL’s larger narrative—a story of potential, opportunity, and uncertainty. For players like Coleman, Murdock, and Barron, this is their moment to prove they belong. But it’s also a chance for the Broncos to answer some critical questions: Can their running game be consistent? Is their linebacker depth sufficient? And can their young cornerbacks step up?
What this really suggests is that the Broncos are at a turning point. After a few seasons of ups and downs, they’re building a roster with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Preseason is where the pieces start to come together—or fall apart.
Personally, I think this Broncos team has the potential to surprise a lot of people. But it all starts with these three players. If they can step up, the Broncos might just have a shot at a memorable season. If not, well, there’s always next year.
As I watch the game on Friday, I’ll be looking beyond the scoreboard. I’ll be watching for those moments that define careers, those plays that hint at what’s to come. Because in the end, that’s what makes football so captivating—it’s not just about the game; it’s about the stories unfolding on the field.
