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Denver Broncos: Predicting the defensive line group for 2020

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 19: Defensive tackle Shelby Harris #96 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after making a tackle for a loss during the first quarter of a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 19: Defensive tackle Shelby Harris #96 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after making a tackle for a loss during the first quarter of a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos Shelby Harris
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 29: Shelby Harris #96 of the Denver Broncos walks off the field after a 16-15 win over the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Shelby Harris

How much would you argue with me if I said that since 2017, Shelby Harris has made the biggest plays of any Denver Broncos defensive lineman?

Harris was a pure lottery ticket ahead of the 2017 offseason, Vance Joseph’s first as the head coach of the Broncos.

He was signed as a reserve/futures contract player and had to scratch and claw for a roster spot, which he did. His play in camp and at practice was so good, in fact, that the Broncos had no choice but to put Harris into their already strong rotation in 2017.

He made an immediate impact.

The blocked FG to beat the Chargers (2017)

The interception to seal a win vs. the Steelers

The batted pass to seal a win vs. Oakland

There are plenty of other plays as well, and incidentally none of those particular plays are any of Harris’ 13 sacks or 22 quarterback hits since he became a significant contributor for the Broncos.

He brings energy on the defensive line and over the past two seasons, he’s become one of the best in the NFL at batting passes at the line of scrimmage. Including the batted pass to end the game against Oakland on a two-point conversion, Harris had 10 batted passes in 2019, most in the league for a defensive lineman.

Although those aren’t tackles for loss or sacks, think about how many big plays are prevented by Harris knocking balls down at the line of scrimmage.

It’s great for the Broncos to have him back for 2020, especially at such a discounted price.

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