Good morning, Broncos Country. The Denver Broncos are a few weeks away from the beginning of training camp. The competition will be heated at various positions. Though one area of significant interest will be in the defensive trenches. With the departure of John Franklin-Myers to the Tennessee Titans, Denver will turn to a handful of developing players to replace his production.

Second-year player Sai’vion Jones and rookie Tyler Onyedim will certainly have a chance to prove they are capable of doing so. However, one player to not underestimate this season will be fourth-year defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike. After appearing in just four games in 2024, Uwazurike saw a significant uptick in snap count and productivity last season.

Advertisement

He played in 409 defensive snaps—the fourth most of any defensive lineman on the roster—and finished the season with 39 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and five quarterback hits. Yesterday, ESPN’s Ben Solak tabbed the former Iowa State standout as the Broncos’ breakout candidate this season.

Solak highlighted Uwazurike’s strong bull rush and high motor as reasons for optimism. Those factors, coupled with last year’s success, lead him to believe he could be an important piece for Denver’s defensive front in 2026. A little bit later today, I’ll have my roster profile up for Uwazurike. Quite honestly, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if we see him get a significant increase in snaps this season.

What do you think, Broncos Country? Do you agree with Solak pegging Uwazurike as the Broncos’ breakout candidate this season or do you have someone else in mind? Let me know in the comments section.

As always, thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.