INDIANAPOLIS — Here’s a look at which players improved their stock or watched it decline after the Broncos’ 34-30 win over the Colts in the preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Stock Up
RB Jaleel McLaughlin: It’s too soon to say McLaughlin will take a significant leap in Year 2, but he is someone fantasy football owners should keep an eye on. McLaughlin’s versatility was on display in the win, as he totaled 56 yards (30 rushing and 26 receiving) on nine touches. He had one of the best plays of the game when he caught a 22-yard pass from rookie quarterback Bo Nix on a wheel route. Around this time last year, McLaughlin, an undrafted free agent, used preseason to beat the odds and make the 53-man roster. Now, he is seeking to use these games as an opportunity to carve out a larger role on offense. He is off to a good start.
OLB Jonah Elliss: Against the Colts, members of Denver’s 2024 rookie class flashed, especially Elliss. The former Utah standout made some encouraging plays off the edge. Among the biggest came when he generated pressure on Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger, resulting in an interception from safety Keidron Smith in the second quarter. Later in the third, Elliss chased down quarterback Kedon Slovis for a sack on third-and-14. His performance in Indianapolis was a reflection of what the team has seen during training camp. There have been a handful of moments where Elliss has attacked the backfield to create pressure or make a stop in the run game.
QB Bo Nix: The rookie quarterback’s stock seems to have gone through the roof. Yes, there were some bad moments, as his ball placement was a bit off at times. But overall, he looked the part of a starting quarterback. He was efficient, going 15 for 21 with 125 yards and a touchdown. And he wasn’t afraid to use his legs to extend plays. Plus, Nix played 36 snaps compared to 11 from Jarrett Stidham, and started the second half — a possible sign that Denver’s quarterback competition is already coming to an end.
Stock Down
Samaje Perine: Perine’s day was over before it truly began. In the first quarter, the veteran running back failed to secure a short pass from quarterback Jarrett Stidham, juggling the ball before it was intercepted by Colts cornerback Kenny Moore. Perine had one target and didn’t have a rushing attempt, as he watched McLaughlin, undrafted rookie Blake Watson and Audric Estime make plays. Last season, Perine was used in pass protection and served as a reliable check-down target for former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. However, McLaughlin and Watson provide similar pass-catching traits, but more importantly, they have speed that Denver’s offense needs.
Troy Franklin: A total of 16 players recorded a reception against the Colts, except for Franklin. The former Oregon star was hardly on the field. And when he was lined up on offense, Franklin didn’t do anything. He had one target, which was an incompletion after quarterback Zach Wilson threw the ball deep down the sideline. Franklin has had a hard time adjusting during training camp while fellow rookie Devaughn Vele has flashed in nearly every practice. It will be interesting to see if Denver tries to get him more involved on offense in the next two preseason matchups. Overall, Franklin is off to a troubling start, which is concerning since the team moved up in the fourth round to take him with the 102nd overall pick.
Denver’s starting offensive line: Denver’s starting offensive line was shaky in the first quarter. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey was penalized for a false start on the opening series, which was a problem for him last season as well. Meanwhile, left tackle Garett Bolles was called for holding on the second drive. The Broncos managed to avoid allowing a sack for the entire game, but those mistakes need to be cleaned up.
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