Denver Broncos outside linebacker Baron Browning has battled injuries in each of his first three seasons in the NFL. He is yet to start more than nine games in a single season, but Browning showed signs of promise last fall.
In nine starts last season, Browning totaled 10 pressures, nine quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks. It was his first year in defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s system and his first season under head coach Sean Payton.
Now entering Year 2 with the current staff, Browning is more comfortable.
“He and I have five conversations a day, and I don’t know if we had five the first half of last season because you’re trying to get to know everyone,” Payton said when asked about Browning on June 4. “But he’s much further along. There is a confidence about him.
“He reminds me a little of an Ohio State player [the Saints] had, Will Smith. And I’m not saying that necessarily [because] they played the same position. His personality reminds me a lot of Will, the late Will Smith. They both played there. He’s in good shape. He’s been working hard, and I’ve gotten to know him and I enjoy coaching him.”
A Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, the late Smith totaled 67.5 sacks during his time in New Orleans. He is now a member of the Saints Ring of Honor and Saints Hall of Fame. Browning has totaled 9.5 sacks through his first three seasons in Denver.
If he can stay healthy, Browning could be on the verge of a breakout season in 2024. He’ll be a player to watch this summer.
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