Demaryius Thomas had a great year last season, he snagged 94 balls for 1434 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had a great season that solidified himself as a top 10 receiver. There is no way Thomas loses his starting spot to anyone on the roster. He should also remain Manning's number one target throughout the season. Expect more big things from Thomas this season as he and Manning gain more trust between them.
Eric Decker also had a great year too. He ended up with 85 catches 1064 yards and an astounding 13 touchdowns. He was Manning's go to target in the red zone and I don't expect that to change. He had major problems with drops last season and throughout his NFL career. That could hurt him going forward if Manning starts to lose trust in him. I expect Deckers numbers to decline in the coming season because of Welker. Welker will likely become Manning's safety blanket. Since Decker and Welker play similar to each other, Decker will lose more looks.
Wes Welker might have been one of the best free agent acquisitions this offseason. The Broncos got him for cheap and they should be thanking their lucky stars that they did. Not only do they now have Welker, now that Patriots don't have him which is also major. Welker has caught 100 passes 5 of the last 6 seasons, but I don't think he will this season. He will not be the number one target like he was in New England. That does not mean he wont have a great season. He will still likely catch 85-95 balls for around 1000 yards. He will be most used in third downs. He will be used like Stokley, but he is more talented at this point in his career.
In the 6th round of the draft, the Broncos selected Tavarres King out of Georgia. Most did not expect them to draft a receiver after Welker was picked up in free agency, but they still needed depth behind the big three. King was a good pick, he lead Georgia in catches, yards and touchdowns as a receiver. He is a good deep threat, but he does not have ideal bulk and dropped passes have been an issue for him. He will likely make the roster and see a fair amount of playing time during the year.
Trindon Holliday, while not a receiver, takes up a receiver slot. He will make the team because of his kick and punt return abilities. I would like to see the Broncos mess with teams a little and line him up as a receiver to make plays, but he is too small to go out there on a consistent basis.
Greg Orton, Gerell Robinson and Andre Caldwell will all likely be fighting for the last roster spot. Caldwell made the team last season, but sat out all but one game. Orton and Robinson have been trying to make the team for the past two seasons and they have both gotten close. Orton and tall and skinny while Robinson is more filled out. Both are good at going up and getting the ball, but Orton has problems going over the middle.
Thomas should be the number one target again this season. Welker will likely leapfrog Decker in the pecking order, but I expect Decker to still catch around 60-70 balls. King will make the team and is simply better than those behind him. I think Robinson will likely round out the six receivers that end up on the final roster. The battle between him and Orton could come down to the last pre season game.
I don't see how teams will be able to consistently stop the Broncos passing attack. Thomas is too fast and too big for a lot of corners to handle on their own, Welker always finds ways to get open. Even if both of those guys are covered, Decker should be able to shake his man. It will be very interesting to see how teams handle this passing attack.
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