1. Defensive front seven
The Broncos’ greatest strength as a whole is their defense, but no area of the team has more depth than the defensive front seven.
The front seven includes, obviously, every non-defensive back position in base formations, though the Broncos usually have a ‘front six’ for the nickel formation, which is their dominant defensive formation.
The Broncos have studs at every position in this group:
Defensive line:
Derek Wolfe
Domata Peko
Adam Gotsis
DeMarcus Walker
Zach Kerr
Shelby Harris
Clinton McDonald
Kyle Peko
Linebacker:
Brandon Marshall
Todd Davis
Josey Jewell
Keishawn Bierria
Edge:
Von Miller
Bradley Chubb
Shaquil Barrett
Shane Ray
Jeff Holland
You get the idea.
This is a very deep group of players capable of lining up in multiple positions, giving the Broncos a group of players in the front seven that can cause problems for opposing teams for 60 straight minutes.
That’s undoubtedly the greatest part of what this unit brings to the table — longevity.
The Broncos don’t have to worry about rotating guys out, because everyone behind the starters could be starting for other teams.
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That is the type of luxury the team has not had since 2015 when they won the Super Bowl.
I’m not sure this group is as good as that one, but that’s mostly due to the fact that we haven’t seen these guys play yet.
Once they get some reps together on the field, this group could certainly be better than the 2015 group, and that’s saying something.
This unit will be a major reason the Broncos have success in 2018 if that is the case.