KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Here’s a look at whose stock improved or declined after the Broncos’ 16-14 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.
Stock Up
RB Audric Estime: When the Broncos drafted Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, head coach Sean Payton said the former Notre Dame standout had the potential to be an early-down running back. Estime showed glimpses in the loss, recording 53 yards on 14 carries and averaging 3.8 yards per attempt. Estime has the speed and strength to rack up yards. He’s averaged 5.1 yards on 29 carries so far as a rookie. Denver has been seeking more production from its running backs. Estime showed he could be the answer if given the opportunity.
OLB Nik Bonitto: Denver’s third-year outside linebacker was explosive off the edge. Bonitto had a sack, three quarterback hits and six pressures, including three in under 2.5 seconds, according to Next Gen Stats. In the last five games, he has collected four sacks and 21 pressures. Bonitto is one sack away from matching last season’s total of eight.
DE Zach Allen: After Allen was shut down by Baltimore’s offensive line last week, he made an impact against the Chiefs, who entered Week 10 with 16 sacks allowed and the NFL’s third-lowest pressure rate at 26.3%. He had four pressures and notched his fifth sack of the year in the first quarter. Denver didn’t get the outcome it had hoped for, but Allen and the defensive line did everything they could to give the Broncos a chance.
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WR Devaughn Vele: Denver’s rookie wideout is emerging as a reliable third-down target for quarterback Bo Nix. Three of Vele’s four receptions came on third down, including a 6-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. The former Utah pass-catcher finished with 39 yards while averaging 9.8 yards per catch.
Stock Down
Third-quarter offense: The Broncos …read more
Source:: The Denver Post – Sports
