It’s been a minute since the Denver Broncos weren’t entering the season as reigning AFC West division champs, but here we are.

To get back to the postseason, the Broncos have made major changes to their coaching staff and added players in free agency as well as the draft. It’s human nature to expect the new additions to take the team back to the promise land, but often the answer’s already on the roster in the form of young players ready to emerge.

With that in mind, here are the six players the Broncos most need to develop and succeed for the team to get back to their winning ways in 2017.

Defense

Adam Gotsis, DL

The Broncos 2016 Draft class saw them gamble early on with their top two picks, Paxton Lynch and Adam Gotsis. It was clear both wouldn’t be early contributors but both had big upside, requiring some patience. Needless to say, after lackluster rookie years it’s time for both to step it up.

While we won’t talk about the obvious quarterbacks here – who undoubtedly need to improve as well – a healthy Gotsis needs to at least be a factor against the run with his big frame. An area in which he excelled in college.

The big question will be his athleticism and ability to develop as an all-around factor against both the run and pass. In his collegiate tape, he showed upside getting after the passer though he never was able to test his athleticism during the pre-draft process making his pass-rushing upside and athleticism a bit up for debate.

Now is Gotsis’s time to prove the Broncos right for gambling on him. The Australian big man has also only been playing football for a limited amount of time and was surprisingly impactful early on in his ACC career. His skills might still be very raw but he’s shown himself to be a quick study in the past, so don’t be surprised if the jump on the field is noticeable after his first healthy offseason as a pro.

Gotsis’ being a reliable rotational lineman is a must for the Broncos who need an upgrade in the defensive trenches from last year, both in creating interior pressure and stopping the run.

Shane Ray, OLB

We’ve been over Ray here, but there’s no denying he seems poised for a big season as the full-time starter for the first time, and playing opposite Von Miller won’t hurt either. Ray has the pass rushing skills, with an already refined arsenal of moves and an explosive first step to be one of the NFL’s best. However, he’ll have to show himself to be better winning one-on-one battles on the outside to become the full fledged double-digit sack destroyer that he should be.

Ray’s been fairly effective against the run but in a greater role, it’ll be crucial for him to stay conditioned and remain stout.

To make up for the absence of DeMarcus Ware, Shaquil Barrett should also be a big factor and has plenty of talent to emerge as another defensive star. But Ray should win the job and get the bulk of the snaps opposite Miller, a position that’s crucial in keeping the defense strong up front. If Ray hits the next level in his development there’s truly no telling how good the Broncos ‘D’ could be, again.

Justin Simmons, S

Simmons is coming off a very impressive rookie season in a year when he really wasn’t expected to contribute much, given the depth already on the team. More impressive, he didn’t find playing time because of injuries but worked his way onto the field thanks to his obvious talents.

While Simmons won’t be given nearly as much playing time or opportunity to start as many others on this list, he still seems poised to break out and could be a valuable added weapon to the secondary, particularly in sub-packages. Simmons can be a key player in dime formations or even nickel, with T.J. Ward potentially being moved up into the box playing as a de facto linebacker – a look that Vance Joseph used often while in Miami.

Simmons is a deceptively good athlete with great read-and-react skills in coverage. He already showed some impressive instincts as a first-year pro combined with some fine ball-skills. His jump in year two could be a big one.

Offense

A.J. Derby, TE

Acquired mid-season from the New England Patriots for a fifth round pick, Derby had never played a down before in an NFL game yet the Broncos rolled the dice on him.

In limited time in Denver, Derby showed some promise as a scary runner with the ball in his hands and a promising receiving option.

At 6-foot-5 and 255-pounds, the 25-year-old could emerge as the tight end the Broncos have been looking for. After all, someone has to amongst the group.

Derby’s skills are also well suited in Mike McCoy’s offense. McCoy has a great track record with receiving tight ends and getting his guys to produce in two tight end sets, both areas in which the former Arkansas product should shine.

Blocking is still a question mark for Derby but he’s far from lost as a blocking end. His size and athleticism make him very intriguing if developed into a complete player at the position a role that’s key particularly in the AFC West where it can be valuable in limiting the talented strong side pass rushers in the division.

Derby’s raw talent flashes are very intriguing but he needs to be more consistent in just about every area. The coaching staff still needs to sharpen his rough edges and turn him into the player that they hoped he could be when they gambled on him not so long ago.

Devontae Booker, RB

Booker came into his rookie year with lots of hype and expectations, and aside from a few flashes, he didn’t quite live up to it. It’ll only be tougher to make an impact now as the competition has increased with the addition of Jamaal Charles and rookie DeAngelo Henderson, but Booker has the talent to emerge amongst them all.

The thing that most stands out about Booker is his ability as a receiver, where he probably wasn’t utilized enough last season. The ability to be a factor in the passing game is crucial for backs to have an impact in today’s NFL and Booker has all the ability to be a playmaker in that area.

He also has some nice lateral mobility and the skills to make an opponent miss added to some imposing power. In his second season, Booker just needs to put things together and get in a rhythm after being slowed down by injuries in his first pro season.

C.J. Anderson’s health has always been a question mark for him in Denver and that means the team will likely have to lean on Booker at some point. He’s certainly equipped to do it and if Denver could find a productive, complete, young back, the offense should be greatly improved.

Carlos Henderson, WR

Our only rookie on the list, Henderson is far from a guarantee to start as the slot receiver in Denver, but there’s no denying that the team needs a playmaker at the position and he has all the skills to fit the part.

Henderson is explosive; put the ball in his hands and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular plays. Even if he doesn’t start regularly as a receiver, he has enough talent and home-run ability to warrant a handful of plays a game just to see what he can pull out of his hat.

In McCoy’s offense, with more bubble screens and spread out looks in the passing game, Henderson should fit perfectly as a short yardage route runner who’s a factor to take one to the house every time he gets a touch.

He should also be a factor on special teams where he was a dynamic returner in college thanks to his elusive running skills in the open field.

Much of what’s just been said about Henderson could also be said about fellow rookie Isaiah McKenzie who’s a bit smaller and not as talented a receiver but could be equally a factor as a gadget and special teams playmaker.