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Denver Broncos: Three underrated backup players on defense

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 15: Denver Broncos defensive players celebrate after a second quarter turnover on a defensive back Dymonte Thomas #35 interception during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 15: Denver Broncos defensive players celebrate after a second quarter turnover on a defensive back Dymonte Thomas #35 interception during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Joe Jones #43 and Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos react after a blocked punt in the first quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Joe Jones #43 and Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos react after a blocked punt in the first quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Joe Jones, linebacker

Not only did Jones develop into an awesome special teams ace for the Broncos this past season, but he also did well in the limited opportunities he was given to play the linebacker position.

Many Broncos fans were pining for a linebacker who can run a blazing 40-yard dash this offseason, and many of those same fans perhaps don’t realize how good of an athlete Jones is.

At 6-feet, 231 pounds, Jones ran a 4.50 at the Northwestern pro day in 2017 and had a 35-inch vertical and a phenomenal 6.83 in the three-cone drill.

This guy is an outstanding athlete, but he was mostly a backup player in college and core special teamer.

He was apparently really good in that role because he’s doing it now in the NFL with the Broncos.

The Broncos poached Jones off of the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad in 2017 and made him their core special teams player in 2018.

With his speed, range, and ability to take the right angles on guys, who says Jones can’t excel in a more expansive role at the linebacker position?

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