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Denver Broncos: 20 free agent defensive linemen to target

By Sayre Bedinger

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs scrambles away from Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs scrambles away from Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Leonard Williams, Denver Broncos
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 10: Leonard Williams #99 of the New York Giants in action against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Tier 2 – The likely best available

Leonard Williams, New York Giants (DE)

Leonard Williams only had half a sack last season for the Giants, and was traded mid-season by the Jets.

The Giants’ decision to acquire him via trade was curious considering he’s likely going to be signed by someone else unless they franchise tag him, which I suppose is possible.

With that said, Williams’ sack numbers last year, or lack thereof, are a bit misleading in terms of his all-around production. He had 16 quarterback hits a season ago and averages 20 quarterback hits per season over his five year career. That is an abnormal figure for a 3-4 defensive end.

He’s also just 26 this season.

Jordan Phillips, Buffalo Bills (NT/DT)

After Jordan Phillips underwhelmed as a second-round pick with the Miami Dolphins from 2015-18, he broke out in a massive way with the Buffalo Bills in 2019.

Phillips was a menace all season with 9.5 sacks and 16 QB hits in total.

At 6-6, 341 pounds, Phillips is a big, athletic dude who showed his dominant abilities in the trenches in 2019. Can he repeat or even just sustain?

DJ Reader, Houston Texans (NT/DT)

DJ Reader is another player who has been steadily improving over the course of his first four seasons in the NFL.

The former Clemson Tiger was outstanding for the Texans’ defense last year, racking up 52 total tackles with 13 quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks.

Reader’s versatility to play all over the interior line could make him an ideal fit for Denver’s defense.

Ndamukong Suh, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Because Ndamukong Suh is going to be 33 this season, it’s a little tough to put him on the second tier of free agents. It’s also hard not to put him on this tier with the way he produces.

This guy hasn’t missed a game in eight years and the last time he had single-digit quarterback hits was his second year in the league.

Suh can simply get to the quarterback and he does it from a variety of positions.

Gerald McCoy, Carolina Panthers

For the same reasons as Suh, the ageless McCoy has to be on tier two entering his age 32 season.

This guy simply gets after the quarterback and produces.

He had 22 total pressures last season including 13 hits and five sacks.

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