Denver Broncos: Defensive line 2018 position preview

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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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 30: Nose tackle Domata Peko #94 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with Zach Kerr #92 and free safety Darian Stewart #26 after recovering a fumble during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 30, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 30: Nose tackle Domata Peko #94 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with Zach Kerr #92 and free safety Darian Stewart #26 after recovering a fumble during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 30, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Zach Kerr, age 27

The Indianapolis Colts, who haven’t had many very good defensive players over the past few years anyway, for some reason decided not to extend Zach Kerr a restricted free agent tender offer in the 2017 offseason.

The Broncos swooped in and made him a two-year contract offer, which Kerr accepted, bringing his size and versatility to a deep group of defensive linemen.

Kerr wasn’t healthy to start the season, but once he got up to full strength, he started making a pretty significant impact for the Broncos’ defense.

Kerr’s snaps really started to ramp up in week 12, and he took full advantage, finishing the season with 18 tackles and 10 stops in the running game.

He played around 36 percent of the defensive snaps for the Broncos but should see increased usage as the team’s primary backup nose tackle this season behind Domata Peko.

Built extremely well for an interior lineman at 6-foot-2, 334 pounds, Kerr is one of the strongest players on the team and much more athletic than he’s given credit for.

He’s an excellent role player on Denver’s defense.

Schedule