Denver Broncos: Grading the 2019 defensive line

The Broncos defensive line had a lot to prove in 2019, as they were pretty much all on contract years. Did they deliver? We grade the 2019 Broncos defensive line.

The Broncos’ defensive line had a rough start to the 2019 season, not much different than the team as a whole. Through Week 4, when the defensive unit had recorded zero sacks, Broncos Country began to panic.

This couldn’t be our defensive unit, could it?

Well, it was. However, this streak eventually broke, beginning with Gardner Minshew and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although that game ended in a loss, the Broncos’ defensive line put themselves on track, and ended the season a dominant force once again.

In the latest edition of our offseason grades, we will grade four primary members of the defensive line: Derek Wolfe, Adam Gotsis, Shelby Harris, and Mike Purcell.

Derek Wolfe

2019 Stats: 23 solo tackles, 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble

2019 Grade: A-

It is no secret that Derek Wolfe has been an integral part of the defensive line. He’s been on the Broncos roster throughout both Super Bowl runs in the Manning era.

He gives 120 percent every time he steps onto the field — mind and body. Wolfe arguably had the best season of his career in 2019, setting a career high in sacks (7). Unfortnately, Wolfe’s season was ended early by an elbow injury in Week 13. Prior to that, Wolfe was playing like a man possessed. Wolfe’s mean streak on the field is a big reason he is a Broncos fan favorite, and many would hate to see him go.

Wolfe will test free agency, and it is a big hope that Wolfe and the Broncos can get a deal done to keep him in Denver at least one or two more seasons. It would be huge if Wolfe could be retained. He is a staple to this defensive line. Although his stats may not be flashy, he is an anchor and every bit deserving of the high grade he receives.