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Denver Broncos: Defensive line 2018 position preview

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 15: Defensive end Derek Wolfe #95 of the Denver Broncos is introduced to the crowd before a game against the New York Giants at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 15: Defensive end Derek Wolfe #95 of the Denver Broncos is introduced to the crowd before a game against the New York Giants at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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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) /

Shelby Harris, age 26

Along with the emergence of Adam Gotsis in 2017 came the emergence of an even less likely candidate, Shelby Harris.

Harris was a reserve/futures contract player the Broncos signed after he failed to stick with the team that drafted him (the Oakland Raiders) and other teams like the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys.

The Broncos saw something in him, and defensive line coach Bill Kollar helped extract it.

Harris was phenomenal for the Broncos from the minute he stepped onto the practice field. He dominated in the preseason and carried that high level of play into the regular season where he finished with the third highest overall grade of any Broncos defensive player according to Pro Football Focus.

Harris finished with 5.5 sacks and 34 total tackles, grading extremely well in run defense as well as rushing the passer.

He made one of the top plays of the season in week one when he blocked the Chargers’ field goal attempt to tie the game late.

Harris is a very good interior player and is developing into a well-rounded weapon for the Broncos.

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