What will McTelvin Agim’s role be for the Denver Broncos in 2020?
The Denver Broncos pretty consistently prioritize the defensive front seven in the NFL Draft under John Elway’s watch.
Since Elway became the man with the final say over draft selections in 2011, the Broncos have used a top 100 pick on a defensive front seven player every single year except 2014
2011: Von Miller, Nate Irving
2012: Derek Wolfe
2013: Sylvester Williams
2015: Shane Ray
2016: Adam Gotsis
2017: DeMarcus Walker
2018: Bradley Chubb
2019: Dre’Mont Jones
2020: McTelvin Agim
The last two selections of McTelvin Agim and Dre’Mont Jones are fascinating because they are the two defensive linemen the Broncos have picked up with Vic Fangio as their head coach.
Fangio obviously upholds a very high standard for his defenses and requires his defensive linemen to do a lot of things — playing inside, playing outside, stopping the run, and getting after the quarterback.
The defensive linemen in Fangio’s defense have a lot of responsibilities, so perhaps that helps us make even more sense of the McTelvin Agim selection for the Broncos.
Although Agim was somewhat miscast in his time at Arkansas, he’s a pass-rushing defensive lineman with versatility to line up pretty much anywhere for you inside or out.
So what will his role be in 2020?
Broncos defensive line depth
Starters
Jurrell Casey
Shelby Harris
Mike Purcell
Top Reserves
Dre’Mont Jones
DeMarcus Walker
Christian Covington
Depending on who you ask, the Broncos go at least four or five deep on the defensive line right now as far as guys who can be relied upon to make an impact on games.
Jurrell Casey was acquired from the Titans and will be the new leader of the defensive line with Shelby Harris and Mike Purcell returning on one-year contracts to give the Broncos a formidable starting trio up front.
Purcell is not a ‘full-time’ player in his role, though, and Dre’Mont Jones figures to receive starter-level snaps as a rookie.
Although DeMarcus Walker’s contributions last season have been significantly underrated, the perception right now is there’s playing time to be had behind the top four players on this list.
Agim can factor in there.
His versatility up front is to his advantage, and his relentless style of play is also a factor.
I am certainly not Vic Fangio or Ed Donatell, but the idea of getting Agim onto the field with Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Jurrell Casey, and Dre’Mont Jones is a speed package up front is exciting.
There are so many combinations the Broncos could use on their defensive front in 2020, and I think it’s reasonable to assume Agim will get some nice playing time. Last year, Dre’Mont Jones played 284 snaps.
Agim could see a similar amount of work this season or more depending on how the Broncos choose to rotate guys and how ready he proves himself to be.