Denver Broncos: Contract players in the Super Bowl

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Cody Latimer (14) against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) reacts after making a sack in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Malik Jackson

As good as the Broncos’ defense has been, not enough is made of how good Malik Jackson is. The former 5th round draft pick out of Tennessee has blossomed into one of the best hybrid DE/DT players in the NFL today. Jackson was a cast-off of USC and transferred to the Vols program where he was underwhelming statistically, but caught the eye of the Broncos’ scouting department as a player with potential.

He has more than realized it.

Jackson is capable of winning from the interior with his strength and power as well as from the edge with his quickness and great punch. He doesn’t rack up sacks but he doesn’t need to — he puts quarterbacks on their back, makes tackles for loss, and he is capable of man-handling offensive linemen.

If Von Miller is the top priority for the Broncos this offseason, Malik Jackson is 1a. He’s a star, no matter what way you look at it.

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