Denver Broncos: Who Is Their Most Underrated Playmaker for 2016?

The Denver Broncos are overflowing with quality talent on both sides of the ball.

They’ll be running the true Gary Kubiak system this year, and their rushing attack should be the centerpiece of what they do on offense. When they go to the air, there are star receivers such as Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders ready to snare the ball and move the chains.

Even with a few key starters lost in free agency on the defensive side of the ball, it’s not difficult to envision the Broncos once again having the league’s best defense. One of the strengths of their world-class defense is their four starters in the secondary.

There's one player in the secondary who perhaps doesn't get enough credit.

Free safety Darian Stewart is one of the best in the league at his position, but he's often overshadowed by the outstanding players around him. Stewart's play is one of the reasons why the Broncos are so ferocious on defense. Broncos fans should expect more of the same from Stewart this season. 

In this article, we examine why Stewart will be the Broncos' most underrated playmaker of the 2016 season.

The History

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Stewart played his college ball at South Carolina for Steve Spurrier. The Gamecocks defense (like the Broncos defense) had some star players in the secondary, and some of them may have overshadowed Stewart.

He was known as a sound tackler and a player who didn’t let his man get by him. Even though Stewart didn’t have an interception over the final two years of his college career, he did record five pass breakups in 2009 and eight pass breakups in 2008. He even recorded two sacks for the Gamecocks in 2008.

Through the 2010 NFL draft, Stewart never heard his name called. After the draft that year, the St. Louis Rams picked him up as an undrafted free agent. He spent four years with the Rams, missing 11 games during that time. With St. Louis, Stewart flashed the potential to do more when he was healthy.

The Rams kept him around as a restricted free agent in 2013, but when he became an unrestricted free agent in 2014, he moved on.

In 2014, Stewart signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. He ended up starting 14 games for the Ravens, staying healthy and recording 53 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble.

Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for Baltimore that year, and he was impressed by Stewart when he had to go up against him in practice. That history had to play a role in why the Broncos were quick to scoop up Stewart in free agency.

Champions with a Chip

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The Broncos are defending Super Bowl champions, but there are many national analysts predicting their downfall. The team is being painted as a one-and-done squad that won’t repeat as champions and may not even make the playoffs in 2016.

All these pundits are doing is motivating the Broncos. The more they keep talking about how they can’t, the more the defense wants to show they can. Just like last season, when almost everyone was picking the Carolina Panthers to win the Super Bowl, the Broncos have become used to playing with a chip on their shoulder.

Stewart admitted the team uses the doubters as fuel. “It just gives us extra motivation to just go out there and prove everyone wrong," the playmaker said. “We still have to go out there and play and keep proving them wrong. It is what it is. Everybody is titled to their opinions. We’re just going to keep working and keep getting better."

He added: “This is our second year together. It’s going to be hell for teams this year.”

A second year in the system should allow the defense to play with more comfort and confidence. This may lead to a team that is even more dangerous in 2016.

Final Year in Denver?

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This may be Stewart's last year with the Broncos, as he's set to be a free agent in 2017.

The 27-year-old veteran has done a great job of playing up to his potential in Denver. He’s done so well that if he hits the open market, there should be plenty of teams interested in his services.

The Broncos have prepared for Stewart’s departure, as they selected free safety Justin Simmons in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. Simmons should learn as much as he possibly can from Stewart this season in order to kick-start his pro career.

Stewart isn’t concerned about the addition of Simmons.

“I think we needed the depth," Stewart said. "That’s what we lacked last year. Having him and Will [Parks] in, they don’t say too much. They just come in and work. I’ve just been working out with them and stuff, but they’re going to be helpful for us.”

Stewart's future with the Broncos beyond 2016 is a question mark. However, this season, he should once again be able to be an impact player for the Broncos on defense.

Summary

The defense can take chances up front because of guys such as Stewart roaming in the secondary. Pass-rushers such as superstar linebacker Von Miller may get most of the press, but he’s able to rush the passer with such intensity because of the coverage he gets from the players deep in the defense.

Stewart believes the defense can be better this season.

“It’s a new season," he said. "But you can tell we’re ready, especially on the defensive side. We’re getting better.”

So how exactly can this defense be better in 2016?

“Creating more interceptions," Stewart opined. "That’s the key. We did a lot of great things last year, but I think as a secondary we definitely want to lead the league in interceptions.”

It’s not easy to repeat as Super Bowl champions, but the team is ready for the road ahead.

Stewart concluded: “I think we’re ready for the challenge. From day one, we came in with the mindset of repeating. That’s just been the mission each year. It’s going to be a great year, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Having playmakers such as Stewart should help the Broncos silence the naysayers in 2016. We haven’t seen a repeat Super Bowl champion for over a decade, but so long as the Broncos defense is this good, they should at least be in a window for that feat.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided by the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.