The Denver Broncos were oh-so-close to the Super Bowl last season, mostly thanks to an elite defense that had to carry a rough offense after Jarrett Stidham stepped in for an injured Bo Nix. Now, with the 2026 season looming, there's optimism on both sides of the ball, but a big question mark hangs over that defense. See, they lost John Franklin-Myers, and Jonathon Cooper's got off-field issues. So, who steps up on the edge? Nick Kosmider of The Athletic just named the guy: forgotten 2025 fourth-rounder Que Robinson as the breakout candidate who could save the day for Denver.
From Afterthought to Asset: Robinson's Rookie Glimmer
Robinson, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of Alabama, was the 134th overall selection. He barely saw the field as a rookie, playing just six regular-season games and a mere 150 snaps on what was an incredibly deep Broncos defense. His stats reflected that limited time: one pass defended, a half-sack, 12 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. Pretty much an afterthought, right? Well, not entirely. He made one "lasting impression" in the AFC Championship Game, showing everyone what he could do by chasing down Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and pulling him down for a sack. He only played that one playoff game, racking up three tackles and that clutch sack. It was one big moment in an otherwise quiet year, but it showed his potential.A 2026 Season That Could Change Everything
Fast forward to 2026, and suddenly, Robinson's role is exploding. With Cooper's off-field issues shaking things up, Robinson's expected snap count has only grown. Even as a Day 3 draft pick, a natural progression would mean more work, but now he's "a bit more key" to the whole operation. Kosmider called him a breakout candidate for "good reason." The potential has always been there, but being on an elite, deep defense didn't give him much of a chance to show it off. Now, with an increased role, it wouldn't be a surprise at all if Robinson has a huge 2026 season. He might just become a vital cog in that elite Broncos defense, and he definitely won't be forgotten anymore. What's on the line for the Broncos is whether this defense can remain elite without Franklin-Myers and with Cooper's uncertain future. Que Robinson has the chance to prove he's the answer. Keep your eyes on him.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.