Denver Broncos: Four Stars Who Could Be Irrelevant by 2014

Trying to identify the "stars" on the Denver Broncos roster at the moment might seem like trying to pick out all the innocent guys on death row; you just aren't sure if there are any. 

Rest assured that there certainly are some sexy names on this roster that still raise eyebrows around the league when they are mentioned. A good question is whether some of those names will continue to garner that response in say, 2014? 

Even if Tim Tebow flops as a pro QB he will still generate a buzz for the rest of his life because of his off-the-field attributes, so he would not make this list. Champ Bailey will likely retire when his contract expires at the end of 2014, and with the credentials he has amassed, there is no way he will ever be irrelevant. 

Dig deeper though and there are some players whose stars could fade and burn out to a point where the mention of their names would only draw a short "oh yeah" from Bronco fans.

DJ Williams

It's debatable whether or not DJ Williams is still a star for the Broncos.

At the moment he is certainly the most experienced and talented member of the linebacking corps. In recent years though DJ has not been quite as spectacular as he was after being drafted out of Miami.

A lot of this could be scheme and multiple changes in the defensive coordinator position, but some of it may be off the field as well. DJ has had his troubles with the law and is approaching the point where his third strike might cause his untimely exit from Denver.

If DJ Williams doesn't fit into the scheme the way that Dennis Allen would like, and his off-the-field behavior continues to be poor, it is very likely that he could be irrelevant by 2014...or sooner.

Brandon Lloyd

I hate that I have to continually put Brandon Lloyd on lists like these because I have tremendous respect for what he accomplished last season.

Still, one season of greatness does not make a career. 

Please understand that this is not a prediction of failure for Lloyd in 2011, but when historical performance is used to help (only help) predict future success, the prospects look bleak for B-Lloyd. 

Just simply stating that if Lloyd fails to deliver, and his statistics resemble other seasons that he has had in the NFL, his stardom will be short lived. 

Brady Quinn

Contrary to popular belief, Quinn is on the outskirts of being a star.

His collegiate career and the hype that surrounded him upon entering the league are keeping him relevant for the time being. Frankly, there are still those out there who cling to the belief that with the right opportunity he can still become a star quarterback. 

This might not be Quinn's last chance in Denver. He might move on to another city as a backup and get an opportunity to start and finally put it all together. However, time is running out and if he is not consistently starting by 2014, than it is safe to say he will fade to the background of NFL fans' minds.

Brian Dawkins

During his tenure as a Bronco, Dawkins has been underwhelming in his performance on the field.

That is not a comment on his leadership ability, presence in the locker room or any other intangible benefit that he brings to the team by being on the roster. Still, with a good deal of time spent on the sideline it is hard to call his signing a success at this point.

Compare that to a different highly accomplished safety that the Broncos signed named John Lynch. Lynch was an impact player on the field, as well as a leader in the locker room. His time as a Bronco was productive enough to make him a star for two different franchises.  

If Dawkins doesn't deliver this season and the next, he will be remembered as a great Eagle, but an irrelevant Bronco.