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Denver Broncos Ring of Fame candidates on the 2018 roster

By Andrew Wade

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 01: (L-R) Shannon Sharpe, Floyd Little, Gary Zimmerman and John Elway present Annabel Bowlen with a ring at the induction of Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen into the Broncos' Ring of Fame during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 1, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 01: (L-R) Shannon Sharpe, Floyd Little, Gary Zimmerman and John Elway present Annabel Bowlen with a ring at the induction of Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen into the Broncos' Ring of Fame during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 1, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Derek Wolfe

The seven-year veteran is one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the league, but he has been a mainstay on Denver’s defensive line since his rookie season.

The big knock on Wolfe is injuries. He has only played a full season twice and he ended last season in injured reserve with a serious neck injury.

In addition to injuries, Wolfe’s position doesn’t do him any favors. As a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme that employs elite edge rusher Miller on the outside, Wolfe’s role cannot be measured on statistical production. His job is to engage multiple defenders and allow Miller, Ray, Barrett, and Chubb to get to the quarterback.

This is not to say his statistics are sub par. His sack total of 24.5 is good for 9th on the Denver Broncos all-time sack list.

Even more, he is the emotional leader of the defense, and he loves the Denver Broncos.

When Wolfe signed his extension with Denver, it was significantly under market value. His counterpart on the line that season, Malik Jackson, signed for six years, $85 million while Wolfe’s contract went for four years, $36 million.

A few more seasons in the blue and orange, ideally injury-free, will vault Wolfe to the Ring of Fame.

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