Friday Faceoff: Who will be the Broncos No. 2 receiver after the trade of Devaughn Vele?

Chris Schmaedeke, digital sports editor

Answer: Troy Franklin

Clearly the Broncos believe in one of quarterback Bo Nix’s college teammates.

On Wednesday, the Broncos traded receiver Devaughn Vele to the Saints to open up chances for their young receivers. One of those young receivers is former Oregon Duck Troy Franklin, who played with Nix in Eugene.

Franklin, who scored the Broncos’ only touchdown in their 31-7 playoff loss to the Bills, has been the talk of training camp and the preseason. He has plenty of chemistry with Nix but also had four catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns with backup QB Jarrett Stidham during Saturday’s preseason win over the Cardinals.

Courtland Sutton is the clear No. 1 receiver in Denver. Sutton showed time and time again last season that he was Nix’s favorite target. But with Vele gone, the chance to be No. 2 is wide open for Franklin to seize the title.

Franklin’s second season left a little to be desired. He had only 26 catches and two touchdowns. He never really showed the big-play ability the Broncos were hoping for when they drafted him in the fourth round.

This season, he has looked like a different player and is ready to take the next step. Franklin’s emergence, big-play ability, size, speed, and connection with Nix makes him the perfect candidate to have a big season and become a true No. 2 receiver for the Broncos.

Evan Rawal, Avalanche team reporter

Answer: Marvin Mims

Broncos’ fans got a taste of what Mims could provide if he got a little more involved in the offense down the stretch last season. Now it’s time for the full-course meal.

The third-year receiver, who is only 23 years old, was barely looked at during the first half of the 2024 season. He was credited with just 15 targets during the team’s first nine games. That completely flipped in the second half, and wouldn’t you know it? The young receiver actually showed he can ball out. With six touchdowns on 37 targets during the second half and 30-plus yard plays in six of the final seven games, Mims showed he has the potential to be the game-breaker on offense that the Broncos so desperately need.

Even with the trade, it seems unlikely that Mims will be on the field 60-70% of the time like Vele was. He may never be that type of receiver, and that’s OK, but he should see the field a lot more than he was for most of last year.

And with his play down the stretch, the Broncos need to make it a priority to get the ball in Mims’ hands more often.

If they can do that, he’ll take care of the rest.