Three Players Who Will Be the Broncos’ Biggest X-Factors in 2026
The Denver Broncos enter the 2026 season with legitimate expectations of contending in the AFC. Bo Nix has established himself as a franchise quarterback, while the addition of Jaylen Waddle and another promising rookie class has only strengthened an already talented roster. On the other side of the ball, Denver returns one of the NFL’s premier defenses after finishing among the league’s best in multiple statistical categories last season.
Star players will ultimately determine how far the Broncos go, but championship-caliber teams are often elevated by contributors who don’t always dominate the headlines. An X-factor isn’t necessarily the team’s best player – it’s the player whose performance could have the biggest impact on the outcome of the season. If these three players exceed expectations for Denver in 2026, the Broncos’ chances of making a deep playoff run will increase significantly:
1. Offense: Jonah Coleman, Running Back
Denver selected Jonah Coleman in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the hope of adding another physical presence to its backfield. Coleman averaged an impressive 5.5 yards per carry across four collegiate seasons, including 1,053 rushing yards in 2024. His compact build, physical running style, and ability to consistently gain yards after contact have already drawn comparisons to former Broncos running back C.J. Anderson.
Coleman’s path to making an immediate impact extends well beyond simply carrying the football. He developed into a reliable pass protector during his collegiate career and has the receiving ability to contribute on passing downs, making him an ideal third-down option. Add in his nose for the end zone after scoring 25 rushing touchdowns across his final two collegiate seasons, including 15 in 2025, and Coleman has multiple avenues to making an immediate impact, even if Denver’s running back room remains healthy.
Depth at running back is also especially important for the Broncos given J.K. Dobbins’ injury history. Should Dobbins miss time, Coleman is the logical candidate to take over as Denver’s lead running back. His skill set more closely mirrors Dobbins’ than RJ Harvey’s, allowing the Broncos to maintain continuity in both the running and passing game.
Whether he’s protecting Bo Nix on third down, punching in touchdowns near the goal line, or stepping into a larger role if injuries occur, Coleman has numerous avenues to becoming one of Denver’s most valuable offensive contributors. He doesn’t have to lead the team in rushing to justify his selection or make a major impact. That’s exactly what makes him the Broncos’ offensive X-factor entering the 2026 season.
2. Defense: Jahdae Barron, Cornerback
Denver selected Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft largely because of his versatility. Entering his third NFL season, Barron appears poised to take on an even larger role within one of the league’s best defenses. His development could be one of the biggest factors in determining just how good the Broncos’ secondary can become.
Barron possesses the versatility to line up as both an outside cornerback and a slot cornerback while also contributing as a blitzer and reliable tackler. That flexibility gives defensive coordinator Vance Joseph the freedom to disguise coverages, dial up creative pressure packages, and move Barron around the formation based on weekly matchups. Few defensive backs offer the same combination of coverage ability and physicality.
Barron already showed flashes of becoming a difference-maker during the 2025 season. He recovered the game-clinching fumble against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, intercepted a pass against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, and stepped into a much larger role when Patrick Surtain II missed three games. Denver went 3-0 during Surtain’s absence, validating the coaching staff’s confidence in the young cornerback.
Barron’s continued development also carries long-term implications for the Broncos’ secondary. Both Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian are scheduled to become free agents after the 2026 season, and Denver would undoubtedly welcome clarity regarding which role Barron is best suited to fill moving forward. If he takes another step this season, the Broncos’ defense will become even more dangerous in 2026 while also making an important decision for 2027 much easier.
3. Special Teams: Jeremy Crawshaw, Punter
Special teams rarely receive the same attention as offense or defense, but winning the field position battle can change the outcome of close football games. That’s exactly what Jeremy Crawshaw has the potential to do entering his second NFL season. Denver already trusts him with one of the league’s most important hidden jobs, and his value extends well beyond simply punting the football.
As a rookie in 2025, Crawshaw averaged 47.6 yards per punt while repeatedly flipping the field in the Broncos’ favor. 30 of his 75 punts landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, while his 76-yard punt against the Houston Texans in Week 9 ranked as the second-longest in the NFL during the 2025 season. Those numbers showcase both his leg strength and his ability to consistently flip field position.
Crawshaw also serves as the holder for kicker Wil Lutz, making him an integral part of Denver’s field goal operation. While holders rarely receive recognition, consistency in that role is essential to a successful kicking game. Eliminating mistakes on special teams often proves just as valuable as creating explosive plays.
If the Broncos are going to field one of the NFL’s best defenses again in 2026, forcing opponents to begin drives deep in their own territory will only strengthen that unit’s effectiveness. Crawshaw has the ability to quietly influence games without ever recording a tackle or touchdown, consistently putting Denver’s defense in favorable situations. That’s what makes him one of the Broncos’ most overlooked – and most important – X-factors entering the season.
