Defensive Linemen
Wish list players: Javon Hargrave (Steelers), DJ Reader (Texans)
The defensive line is so critical in Vic Fangio’s defense.
Players have to be able to play all three downs, they have to be versatile, and they have to be able to rush the passer.
That’s a lot to ask, but Fangio has consistently gotten high production out of his defensive linemen, and I think with the Broncos, that production can be further amplified with the presence of defensive line coach Bill Kollar, one of the best in the business at developing talent.
On my wish list for the Broncos are both DJ Reader of the Houston Texans and Javon Hargrave of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Re-signing restricted free agent Mike Purcell should also be a priority.
If the Broncos’ top four defensive linemen going into the 2020 NFL Draft are Reader, Hargrave, Purcell, and 2019 third-round pick Dre’Mont Jones, that would have to be considered among the best units in the NFL.
Is that lofty to say? Maybe.
Of course, other players like Chris Jones (Chiefs) or Arik Armstead (49ers) would be great pickups for the Broncos, albeit at a much higher price, but they are more likely to be franchise tagged than hit the open market at this point.
Not that Hargrave and Reader would be a bad consolation prize as a duo.
Both players are commonly listed at the nose tackle position, but it doesn’t take long to watch them play and find out they play all over the defensive line.
Check out Brian Baldinger’s outstanding breakdown of Hargrave and what he brings to the table as a disruptive presence up front, not only winning on his own but opening things up fro the rushers on the outside.
Jeffrey Essary of Mile High Report also has a great thread of cutups of DJ Reader showing off his pass rush ability and versatility as a defensive lineman playing the nose tackle all the way out to the defensive end position.
No matter what alignment the Broncos are in, they could have any combination of Reader, Hargrave, Purcell, and Jones on the field and be effective against the run or pass.
This is not to take away from Shelby Harris or Derek Wolfe at all, either. Both players were very solid for the Broncos last year at the defensive end positions, and I’m sure for the right price the Broncos would love to have either or both back.
With that said, the Broncos can actually upgrade both defensive end positions in free agency and get guys who can not only play outside, but kick inside and be just as effective at a variety of spots.
Think about Trying to block all of Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, DJ Reader, and Javon Hargrave. You can only double-team one guy. Then you have to deal with the potential of a blitz or stunt or whatever else Fangio can throw at you.
All of those players are capable of dominating one-on-one situations and all are capable of deconstructing double teams at a high level.
It would likely cost the Broncos a huge portion of the guaranteed cash they can give out this offseason, but signing Reader and Hargrave is at the top of my personal list because it makes everything else on the defense better.