Denver Broncos

This sleeping giant will emerge for the Broncos in 2015

Published Jul. 22, 2015 1:12 p.m. ET

foxsports

This isn't the same Broncos team that mounted a Super Bowl run two seasons ago.

Peyton Manning is back, but the role players around him aren't. Key pieces like Terrance Knighton, Orlando Franklin, and Rahim Moore will play ball in other cities this season.

Of course, the biggest name to leave Denver was a Manning favorite -- Julius Thomas. Luckily, the team has a ready and willing replacement already on the roster, waiting for his big break.

His name? Virgil Green.

When he was drafted, Green was touted as the player Thomas eventually became in Denver. The Nevada product was speedy, smooth out of his breaks, and possessed soft hands.

He had to take a backseat to Thomas' shining star for the past four years. And during that time, he's worked hard to develop a trait he barely needed in college -- blocking.

It'll suit him well in new head coach Gary Kubiak's tight end-friendly offense. Kubiak often deploys two-tight sets, meaning the fifth-year pro will see time with Owen Daniels as a starter.

There's no comparing the two in terms of athletic prowess, though. Green can get down the field in a blur. And like Thomas, he'll use his big frame to his advantage and out-wrestle smaller receivers.

Manning should look Green's way often. If he does, expect the tight end to triple or quadruple his career stats (23 catches, 206 yards) by season's end.