Denver Broncos Depth Chart: Deciphering Every Defensive Player's Fit
The Denver Broncos are entering 2015 with a new-look defense. New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is implementing a 3-4 defense this season.
The defense will look more aggressive than the unit the Broncos have had over the last few years under former defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. The line will be different, and there will be more of an emphasis on blitzing from different areas. The Broncos will work diligently to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable up front, and they’ll have the secondary to take advantage of ill-advised throws.
In this article, I will go through the Broncos roster and determine whether a player is a good fit, bad fit or odd fit for the new system.
Here is my breakdown of the Denver Broncos depth chart where every player’s fit is graded.
Defensive End
1 of 6
Derek Wolfe
The move to a 3-4 defense should help get the most out of Derek Wolfe. He plays with a lot force on the outside and can push his man back into the play. Wolfe has a good nose for the ball, and he will properly (and forcefully) extend his arms to prevent an opponent from controlling him at the point of attack.
Grade: Good Fit
Vance Walker
The Broncos made a move in free agency to add Walker this offseason. Right now, it’s safe to assume that he’s going to be a starting defensive end for the Broncos in 2015. Walker is an edge-setting run defender who can control the flow of the play. He does a good job of keeping containment on the outside and forcing opponents toward his teammates. Walker isn’t much of a pass-rusher, but he’s a stout player for the new-look defensive line.
Grade: Good Fit
Malik Jackson
Jackson might be a better option for the Broncos coming off the bench. He can line up outside at end or move inside to tackle if needed. Jackson plays with a ton of energy, and he can be disruptive as a pass-rusher. He also has the functional strength to work well as a run defender.
Grade: Good Fit
Quanterus Smith
After two disappointing seasons, it might be time to write off Smith as a gamble that didn’t pay off. Smith was a fifth-round pick with upside in the 2013 NFL draft, but he missed his rookie season recovering from his 2012 knee injury—and then he finished 2014 injured with another knee problem. If he makes the team, it would likely be as an outside linebacker.
Grade: Bad Fit
Kenny Anunike
A former tight end, Anunike has the athleticism to create pressure from the edge; however, he must improve his functional strength if he’s going to be a good run defender at defensive end. Moving Anunike to outside linebacker is a likely option.
Grade: Odd Fit
Defensive Tackle
2 of 6
Sylvester Williams
The lack of a nose tackle could plague the Broncos defense this year. New defensive line coach Bill Kollar has a big task in getting the best out of 2013 first-round pick Sylvester Williams. After flashing as a rookie, Williams took a step back last season.
Williams has the size at 6'2", 313 pounds, but he is too often put on skates and pushed back in one-on-one situations. After snaring two sacks as a rookie, he failed to get to the quarterback one time in 2014. He lacks the quick burst at the snap he used to have in college at North Carolina. If the Broncos can’t get Williams back on track, they’ll have to look for another starter.
Grade: Bad Fit
Marvin Austin
It wouldn’t surprise me to see Austin win the starting nose tackle job. He’s able to control his man at the point of the play because of his outstanding functional strength. If healthy, Austin can shine in a one-gap scheme as a run defender. He also has the burst and quick get-off to create some interior pressure as a pass-rusher.
Grade: Good Fit
Outside Linebacker
3 of 6
Von Miller
It wouldn’t be a shock to see Miller lead the league in sacks this year. In fact, he could easily snare 15-20 sacks in 2015 under Phillips. This will be a more aggressive defensive front, and Miller should be able to go wild this season. He is a better run defender than some give him credit for, and opponents will have to game-plan a way to slow him down.
Grade: Good Fit
Ware played under Phillips during their time together with the Dallas Cowboys. Going to a 3-4 defense is going to help boost Ware’s potential at this point in his career. Double-digit sacks are likely in 2015, and his new responsibilities should help him avoid the big collisions that could wear him down as the season goes on.
Grade: Good Fit
Lerentee McCray
I really like McCray’s potential in this new defense. He is incredibly athletic and has the ability to bend around the edge as a pass-rusher. He has a good closing burst to the football and arrives at the ball with natural violence. During his brief pro career, McCray has shown the ability to work well in coverage if need be.
Grade: Good Fit
Corey Nelson
Nelson plays with a high motor, and he has good closing burst to the ball-carrier. He doesn’t hold up well at the point of attack, but he could see time as a pass-rusher at times. Nelson will primarily contribute on special teams.
Grade: Odd Fit
Lamin Barrow
Last year the Broncos found a quality linebacker when they selected Lamin Barrow in the fifth round of the draft. He is supremely gifted athletically, and he does a good job of changing direction quickly and cleanly. He can stand out as a coverage player, but he also has the agility to play as a pass-rusher around the edge.
Grade: Good Fit
Shaquil Barrett
Barrett is going to get a chance to prove himself this year. He doesn’t have a vast array of pass-rushing moves, but he does have a good closing burst to the quarterback. Barrett is also good at stripping the football away from unsuspecting ball-carriers.
Grade: Good Fit
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Inside Linebacker
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If you could create a perfect inside linebacker for a 3-4 defense, he would look a lot like Brandon Marshall. He has the nose for the football to get to the play in a hurry, and he is decent in coverage. Marshall can scrape and flow to the play as he eludes offensive linemen tasked with blocking him.
Grade: Good Fit
Danny Trevathan
The Broncos hope that Trevathan can stay healthy this year after two knee injuries that kept him out of most of 2014. Trevathan is fantastic in coverage and can pick off passes from unsuspecting quarterbacks. He is a good tackler who does a solid job of wrapping up his man cleanly. There is a huge concern about Trevathan’s ability to stay healthy as an inside linebacker who will see plenty of collisions in this new defense.
Grade: Odd Fit
Steven Johnson
Johnson is a disruptive player who can bring down opponents quickly and violently. He’s a smart player who understands how to diagnose plays quickly as they unfold in front of him. Johnson will jar footballs loose, and he can stack and shed blockers to get to the ball-carrier in a timely manner. He isn’t great in coverage, but he has the athleticism to stay with a tight end for a bit.
Grade: Good Fit
Reggie Walker
One of the free agents the Broncos added this offseason is veteran linebacker Reggie Walker. He’s primarily a special teams player, but he does have a good nose for the football when playing defense. Walker is a liability in coverage, but he’s a quality run-stuffer who could be a decent spot starter in a 3-4.
Grade: Good Fit
Todd Davis
Davis is a two-down thumper who isn’t afraid of contact. As an inside linebacker, he’ll arrive at the point of the play quickly and without taking false steps. Don’t ask Davis to cover, but he’s a solid spot starter and reserve player.
Grade: Good Fit
Cornerback
5 of 6
Chris Harris
Harris might be the best cornerback in the league. He signed a team-friendly deal last year to stay in Denver, and he can star against the best wide receivers in the league. Harris has a nose for the ball, and often he times his break perfectly to intercept or make a play on the pass. He’s also a sound tackler who rarely lets a defender get by him.
Grade: Good Fit
Aqib Talib
Talib was one of the biggest gems for the Broncos in free agency last year. His 6'1" size makes him a dangerous threat for quarterbacks who want to fit in tight passes to big receivers. Talib should be able to take advantage of a more aggressive pass rush that forces quarterbacks into bad decisions.
Grade: Good Fit
Bradley Roby
The Broncos found a star when they selected Roby in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. He was tested early and often as a rookie, and he responded by making plays on the ball and knocking away passes on critical downs. They may switch him to free safety in an effort to get the best talent on the field at the same time. Roby can star as a nickel corner, and there wouldn’t be much of a drop-off if he is forced to play outside corner.
Grade: Good Fit
Kayvon Webster
It wouldn’t shock me to see the team try out Webster at free safety. As a corner, he is too rigid to change directions fluidly when a receiver gets by him. He loves to hit, and that’s why a position switch could be in order. Webster is a physical corner who can frustrate large receivers on jump passes and shorter routes.
Grade: Odd Fit
Tony Carter
Carter has the speed and playmaking ability to fit in any scheme. As a sub-package player, he can generate turnovers—if he doesn’t get burned. Carter loves to take chances in coverage, and his natural skill set is a bit of a double-edged sword. With a more aggressive front seven, he could snare a pick or two when the team is in dime coverage.
Grade: Good Fit
Omar Bolden
There might be a position switch in the future for Bolden. He has a good size/speed combination, but he struggles when asked to cover one-on-one. Bolden is not afraid to make a big hit, and he does a good job of diagnosing plays when they break down in front of him.
Grade: Odd Fit
Josh Bush
We could see the Broncos use Bush at safety too, as it’s a better fit for his skill set. When he sees the ball, Bush can time the play properly and will quickly move to the arrival point. H struggles in man-to-man coverage, but he works well in coverage (and as a tackler) in space.
Grade: Odd Fit
Safety
6 of 6
T.J. Ward
One of the biggest benefactors from the switch to a 3-4 defense is strong safety T.J. Ward. This season, he should be used in a more aggressive fashion. He’ll play in the box to defend the run, but the Broncos should also use him as a blitzing player in certain situations. His nose for the ball and ability to arrive at the ball-carrier with natural violence will make him an even bigger star under Phillips.
Grade: Good Fit
Darian Stewart
The Broncos made the move in free agency to add Stewart this offseason. As a free safety, he can man center field and make plays on incoming passes. If healthy, Stewart is an ascending talent who should benefit from the elite-level players around him in the Broncos secondary.
Grade: Good Fit
David Bruton
Bruton is a fit for any defense because of his ability to play free safety or strong safety. He’ll continue to be a special teams ace for the Broncos, and Bruton can fill in as a starter if necessary.
Grade: Good Fit
All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted.
Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions. Draft grades provided by NFLDraftScout.com.
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