Chris Wesseling of NFL.com thought of seven players who could end up being All-Pros for the first time, including Broncos member Shelby Harris.
The Denver Broncos always seem to get overlooked. For instance, the omission of cornerback Chris Harris Jr. on the NFL Network Top 100 list for 2019.
Well, don’t faint, Broncos Country.
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was the player voted as the 2018 All-Pro nose tackle, and for good reason. Donald recorded 20.5 sacks last season. As a nose tackle. 20.5. You heard that right.
Fletcher Cox was the other defensive tackle voted as an All-Pro by the Associated Press. Cox finished the season with 10.5 sacks.
I would love if a player on the Denver Broncos ends up being a first-time All-Pro. It is a true honor to be recognized for what you do on the field.
Harris recorded 1.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits in 2018 for the Denver Broncos. He is also partially responsible for breaking up the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With his lack of sacks in 2018, it seems unlikely that he will come close to reaching the play of Aaron Donald and Fletcher Cox, but who knows?
If there’s one person that can transform Shelby Harris into an All-Pro, new Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio should be that guy. In Chicago last season, he helped guide Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks to record 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Shelby Harris has a lot of talent around him. On the defensive line, he has Adam Gotsis and Derek Wolfe (and a combination of rotational players). He also has linebackers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb that could cause a lot of damage to opposing offenses.
With Fletcher Cox and Aaron Donald still in the league—and dominating at their position—it may be difficult for Harris to become a player that can unseat the two NFC defensive tackles. However, he has been doubted plenty of times in the past, and has overcome many obstacles.
Maybe this will be the year he breaks out.