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How the Denver Broncos identify athletes for every position

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos celebrates along with Shelby Harris #96 after a sack against the New York Jets in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos celebrates along with Shelby Harris #96 after a sack against the New York Jets in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 19: Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates a sack during the first half of a game between the Denver Broncos and the visiting Cincinnati Bengals on November 19, 2017 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO.(Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 19: Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates a sack during the first half of a game between the Denver Broncos and the visiting Cincinnati Bengals on November 19, 2017 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO.(Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

IDL (5) — Domata Peko, Kyle Peko, Clinton McDonald, Paul Boyette Jr., DeShawn Williams
Ht: 6-1.5
Wt: 306
10: 1.74
Bench: 30
20-yard shuttle: 4.65

DE (5) — Derek Wolfe, Adam Gotsis, DeMarcus Walker, Shelby Harris, Zach Kerr
Ht: 6-3.5
Wt: 290 (Z.Kerr outlier at 334)
10: 1.71
Bench: 26
20-yard shuttle: 4.60

Like with the offensive line, the Broncos have a little more height and length at the defensive end position and more girth and strength on the inside.

Some of these players are listed on the team’s official roster at positions I might not personally list them at for the purposes of this exercise, specifically someone like Zach Kerr at defensive end.

But, you can’t really help it if that’s where the Broncos primarily play him.

Even with Kerr lumped with the defensive ends and Clinton McDonald with the interior linemen, you get a picture of what the Broncos seek on the defensive line. These guys are all quick off the ball (1.725 average 10-yard split for all defensive linemen) and they are all very strong (average of 28 bench reps per lineman).

The Broncos can win many ways on the defensive line, but this size makeup is perfect for the team’s 3-4 base look and they have a number of players who can move inside or out in sub packages.

This is a versatile crew and the Broncos do a great job of identifying the right athletes at each individual position, from nose tackles to three techniques and out to five techniques.

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