Broncos Legends vs Rising Stars: A Historical Comparison of Denver's Finest

 By: Carson Childs

The Denver Broncos have a storied history filled with legendary players who have left unforgettable marks on the franchise. As the Broncos took a huge jump in the 2024 season, with many rising stars, it's fascinating to draw comparisons between the legendary players of the past, and the rising stars of today. In this article, we will dive into the careers of three young stars and their closet comparisons to stars of the past.

Pictured Above: Von Miller

The first comparison we will look into is edge rusher Nik Bonitto and Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. The two share several key attributes that have made them stand out players for the Denver Broncos.

The first thing about Nik Bonitto that stands out is his exceptional ability to rush the passer. In the 2024 season, we saw multiple instances of Bonitto's ability to get to the quarterback at will, through his capacity to get skinny and speedy, skillful maneuvers to get past offensive linemen, and wreak havoc behind the line of scrimmage. This athletic ability directly aligns with how Miller made his name in Denver. Miller had an immense bag of different moves he used to get to the passer, but none more than the speed and savviness of his moves to get to the quarterback. The biggest capability that is evident is both players' ability to become game-changers in games. Miller is obviously most known for his Super Bowl 50 MVP award, as he racked up 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and five solo tackles. 

Pictured Above: Nik Bonitto

Bonitto had two huge games in 2024, where he made immense plays to change the scope of the game. In his game against Cleveland, he recorded one tackle, one sack, and a game-changing 71-yard interception that was returned for a touchdown. Against the Colts, he recorded three solo tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery returned for 50-yard touchdown. This ability to flip the game upside down at will is a skill that not many pass rushers have, but Denver has been lucky enough to have players like Miller and Bonitto that have made their marks on this franchise.

We will look to see how Bonitto continues his upward trajectory in becoming one of the league's top pass rushers.

Pictured Above: Emmanuel Sanders

The next players that are going to be compared are slot receivers Marvin Mims Jr and Emmanuel Sanders. Sanders made his mark in the NFL with the Broncos as a two-time pro bowler, Super Bowl 50 champion, and career stats of 704 catches, 9,245 receiving yards, and 52 touchdowns. Sanders was an intricate piece of the Broncos 2015 Super Bowl season, through his speedy abilities and big-time catching abilities as an undersized receiver. 

Pictured Above: Marvin Mims Jr

Marvin Mims came into the NFL at the 2023 season. In both years, he has already obtained two pro bowls for special teams and became a huge piece to the Denver offense during the 2024 season, in his ability to make huge plays. In the 2024 season, Mims recorded 39 catches for 503 yards and six touchdowns. 

A big comparison for these two speedy receivers is their versatility. Sanders was used in Denver's offense, in the slot, in the return game, and spread out wide. This gave former head coach Gary Kubiak the ability to keep defenses on their heels, as Sanders was seldom lined up in the same position. Similarly, current head coach Sean Payton used Mims in a myriad of ways. Along with everything Sanders did, Payton also lined Mims up in the backfield, and was able to get Mims in open space with quick screens, allowing him to use his athleticism and speed to gain yardage. A piece of Mims game that opened up towards the end of the 2024 season, was his big play abilities. Along with his speed and route running, Mims made some incredible catches in crucial situations. The one that sent the league on notice, was his play against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he made a double-covered catch in the back of the end zone with time expiring to send the game to overtime. Over Sanders' career, he made a number of huge plays, whether in the deep game, or yards after the catch, making him a fan favorite and Denver legend in Broncos Country.

The Broncos are hoping Mims can have that same impact moving forward as he progresses throughout his career.

Pictured Above: Champ Bailey

Champ Bailey is widely regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. During his career, he was known for his exceptional lock down coverage abilities, athleticism, and ability to make game-changing plays. Throughout his career he was selected to 12 Pro Bowls, the most ever for a cornerback. His tenure with the Broncos solidified his legacy, as he consistently shut down the league's top receivers and provided leadership on and off the field. Bailey's career was capped off with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019, a testament to his impact on the game and his status as a true legend of the sport.

Pictured Above: Patrick Surtain II

Patrick Surtain II has quickly established himself as one of the top corners in the NFL since being drafted by the Broncos in 2021. Known for his lockdown defensive abilities, similar to Bailey, along with his physicality, and football IQ, Surtain has been a cornerstone of the entire Broncos franchise. He has already been selected to three Pro Bowls, and named to first-team All-Pro twice. Additionally, he was honored as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting his impact on the field. Over his first four seasons, Surtain has recorded 232 tackles, 11 interceptions, 47 pass deflections, and 2 defensive touchdowns. His ability to shut down top receivers and make game-changing plays has drawn comparisons to Broncos legend Champ Bailey, solidifying his status as a superstar cornerback in the NFL.

As the Denver Broncos continue to build for the future, the comparisons between past legends and current rising stars highlight the rich history and promising potential of the franchise. Players like Nik Bonitto, Marvin Mims Jr., and Patrick Surtain II are carrying the torch passed down by icons like Von Miller, Emmanuel Sanders, and Champ Bailey. The legacy of excellence continues, and Broncos fans have much to look forward to as these young stars strive to leave their own marks on the team's storied history.