Evans: The 5 Denver Broncos who face the most pressure in 2018

So, who are the Denver Broncos facing the most pressure in 2018?

I’m not talking about guys who have a proven track record and have to continue to play at that level. I’m talking about guys who have to take their games to a level we haven’t seen yet.

So, without further ado …

5. Garett Bolles

His rookie season was so-so. He was among the league leaders for most penalties by an offensive lineman. There wasn’t many dominating, “did you see that?” type of plays hinting at a player destined to be a perennial Pro Bowler.

That’s not to say it can’t happen.

My man “Stink” (Mark Schlereth) believes Bolles has the necessary tools to be a very good left tackle. To be fair, he wasn’t helped by the quarterback play behind him.

Also, having a stable veteran like Ron Leary next to him should help his development.

Year two is when NFL players tend to make their biggest jumps. That needs to happen with Bolles.

4. Bradley Roby

Roby’s established himself as a very reliable cornerback in this league. But now, the stakes get higher.

He needs to step in and replace Aqib Talib, still one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He was a playmaker. He was a great teammate. He brought energy. He brought swagger.

These are big shoes for Roby to fill.

Roby goes from covering team’s second- or third-best receivers to its best. Plus, there will be a new, rich contract to live up to.

There’s enough body of work with Roby to feel good about him being up to the challenge. Now, he needs to go out and do it.

3. Jared Veldheer

I never thought I’d have him on a list like this because I was convinced the Broncos would address its offensive line needs during the draft.

But they didn’t, which makes the late free agent signing much more crucial.

Right tackle has been a gaping black hole of crappiness for Denver of late. They must find someone to step into the breach.

The position used to be sort of a throwaway position on the offensive line, but now, with pass rushers moving all around and often times attacking the right tackle, having someone reliable over there is of the utmost importance.

Veldheer has been in the league eight years. He’s moved from Oakland to Arizona. The last two years he’s played in 21 of a possible 32 games.

He feels like a journeyman tackle. He can’t be that here. He needs to be better than that.

2. Jake Butt

For me, Butt may be easily the player most anticipated to watch during the spring and summer.

From the day he was drafted he has been sold as a first-round talent the Broncos got in the fifth round. A knee injury caused him to slip down draft boards and forced him to sit out all of 2017.

But throughout the long rehab process, there has been the tantalizing potential of what he could be when healthy.

That time has arrived.

The Broncos must find a difference-making tight end. Considering how the dynamic pass-catching tight end has taken off in today’s NFL, with teams still struggling to figure out how to cover them, the Broncos inability to find one of its own has been one of its biggest personnel failures.

Remember, it will have been 21 months in between meaningful snaps for Butt. Common sense would indicate Denver fans and the club itself may need to be patient with Butt.

However, the team just can’t afford to wait.

1. Case Keenum

This is a no-brainer. Who is he? Is he the career journeyman who had a fluke year surrounded by a very good Minnesota Vikings team? Is he the next Rich Gannon, poised to take off in the second half of his career?

I’m still spooked by the Vikings never committing to him, never offering him a contract, and immediately turning their swooning eyes toward Kirk Cousins.

How am I supposed to feel like the Broncos found a steal when the team that knows him best showed no interested in him?

So, here you go Case. The Broncos targeted you. They didn’t draft a quarterback.

This is your team, your job.

I’m hoping he’s ready to go to the next level. I hope there is a next level.

He’s smart. He’s confident. Is the supporting cast good enough? Does he have the potential to “play above the Xs and Os” and elevate talent? Was last year a fluke?

So many questions, which easily makes Keenum the one Broncos player with the most pressure to deliver.