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Denver Broncos Defense: Super Bowl 50 vs 2018

By Graham Tiedtke

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Denver Broncos reacts while playing against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Denver Broncos reacts while playing against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/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) /

2015 roster: Derek Wolfe, Antonio Smith, Vance Walker, Malik Jackson, Kenny Anunike
2018 offseason roster: Derek Wolfe, Adam Gotsis, Shelby Harris, Zach Kerr, Demarcus Walker

There are just five defensive ends currently on the roster. Only one of them was a member of the Broncos on their 2015 Super Bowl team. That player is Derek Wolfe.  In 2015, Wolfe recorded 49 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Last season, he had 31 tackles and sacked the quarterback just twice.

Of the departures at the position over the last couple years, Jackson proved to be the biggest loss. Jackson left for the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency and has been a significant part of their defense down in Florida.

Harris has been a big part of the success of the Denver defense. He recorded 34 tackles last year and 5.5 sacks, while also aiding in the team’s run defense. I personally hope that he sticks around the Mile High City for a long time.

Last season, DeMarcus Walker hardly played. He saw action at linebacker but the Broncos discovered that he wasn’t suited to play that position due to his size. Now, he will go into training camp and stay at defensive end.

Gotsis recorded 41 tackles and 2 sacks last year, while Kerr had 19 tackles and just 0.5 sacks.

The defensive end position will be a very intriguing position to watch in training camp. I’m excited to see Wolfe come back strong and see how Walker does as he returns to the position he was meant to play in.

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