Last season’s middling, inconsistent Broncos run defense wound up finishing 16th in the NFL at 111.4 rushing yards per game allowed. But the team’s front seven is looking stronger on paper heading into 2020.
That projection is sans Derek Wolfe (who signed with the Ravens) and before Denver adds any more potential depth in the draft.
In Year 2 of Vic Fangio’s defense, growth can be expected in the run game. And surely general manager John Elway and Fangio expect that growth to be accelerated by the trade for five-time Pro Bowler Jurrell Casey.
Casey will occupy one defensive end spot opposite Shelby Harris, whom Denver re-signed to a one-year deal. Mike Purcell, who received a second-round tender, will be back at the nose and hungry to prove more of himself as an every-down professional. DeMarcus Walker and Dre’Mont Jones add talented, capable depth to the unit.
There’s reason for increased optimism at linebacker as well, where Denver gets a healthy Bradley Chubb back after he missed the last 12 games of 2019 with an ACL injury. With Chubb opposite Von Miller on the outside, Todd Davis and Alexander Johnson are set up to start on the inside. Malik Reed, Jeremiah Attaochu and Justin Hollins return as backup outside linebackers, while Josey Jewell and Joe Jones are atop the reserves on the inside.
Davis — who led the team in tackling three of the last four seasons — projects as a key contributor again on Denver’s defense… for now. Davis’ picked-up option guarantees only $500,000, but the Broncos could use the draft to find a replacement who is more capable in coverage.
Overall, with Casey, Miller and Chubb as the headlining stars — and considering the valuable experience gained and contributions made last season by the trio of Reed, Johnson and Attaochu — Denver’s front seven has plenty of talent.
Can the Broncos fulfill their potential to be a top-five run-stuffing team in 2020? With the pieces in place, it’s up to Fangio to make it happen.
— , The Denver Post
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Must-Read
NFL Journal: Call from Vic Fangio helped sway Shelby Harris to remain with Broncos
His anticipated free-agent market having failed to materialize, Shelby Harris’ path back to the Broncos last week started with a phone call from coach Vic Fangio. Read more…
Kiszla: As apountry yearns for return of NFL, Shelby Harris warns: Don’t rush it.
Here in apountry, is life worth living without NFL games? We’re all going stir-crazy, looking out the window, praying coronavirus doesn’t come knocking for us next. Like you and me, Broncos defensive lineman Shelby Harris is antsy to get back to football. Read more…
Broncos Draft Board: Baylor wideout Denzel Mims’ speed, contested catch ability projects as a first-round pick
Fit for Broncos: Mims’ ability to catch jump balls makes him an ideal outside receiving threat opposite Courtland Sutton, who has that same ability himself. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Broncos Mailbag: Forget receiver, should Denver address offensive tackle in first round of NFL draft?
+ Kiszla vs. O’Halloran: Who throws more touchdowns in 2020: Drew Lock or Tom Brady?
+ Broncos draft film study: Denver needs another CB. Could Alabama’s Trevon Diggs be the answer?
+ Broncos will be prepared for multiple logistical situations when draft is held
+ Keeler: John Elway is a veteran cornerback away from Broncos’ scariest defense since 2015
+ Broncos NFL draft 2020: Profiles, analysis, mock drafts and more
+ Broncos Draft Board: Small-school safety Kyle Dugger would also bring cornerback skills
+ Broncos Draft Board: Instincts, production should make Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray first inside linebacker selected
+ President Trump meets with U.S. pro sports leaders to discuss virus
+ Kickin’ It with Kiz: No games for any American sport until there’s COVID test for every U.S. sports fan
+Want to chat about the Broncos?
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+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Tap here to ask Ryan O’Halloran.
By The Numbers
Ep. 127
Broncos podcast: Takeaways from Vic Fangio and John Elway’s most recent comments, plus more NFL and free agency analysis
In this packed edition of the First-and-Orange podcast, Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O’Halloran review coach Vic Fangio and GM John Elway’s wide-ranging comments on the team on Tuesday. Listen here…
Parting Shot
Kiszla: Why, like 98% of NFL players, Phillip Lindsay is likely headed for unhappy ending with Broncos
Lindsay would be foolish to sign contract extension and give the Broncos a hometown discount now. Read more…
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