Denver Broncos: Predicting the defensive line group for 2020

DeMarcus Walker

The start of DeMarcus Walker’s career with the Denver Broncos has really proven to be detrimental to the rest of it.

In his rookie season back in 2017, the Broncos attempted to solve injury problems at outside linebacker by taking a natural interior defensive lineman in Walker and making him an outside linebacker.

That’s part of the reason Walker wears no. 57.

By the time the Broncos realized the error of their ways, Walker was in Vance Joseph’s doghouse for not playing special teams, even though he excelled in college at blocking kicks and participating in that phase.

Although you could mount up excuses for any player who hasn’t had the type of success their draft status indicates they should (Walker was a 2nd-round pick), the reality is Walker is at a crossroads in Denver.

You are going to want to see Cody Roark’s breakdown on tape of DeMarcus Walker from a season ago.

Walker played just 220 snaps this past season (a career-high, unfortunately) but racked up four sacks and five quarterback hits along with six pressures.

This guy is not as bad of a player as some Broncos fans make him out to be. Some interior defensive linemen play 500 or more snaps and don’t reach four sacks in a season.

Walker’s ability to finish has always been notable, but his inability to get consistent playing time is something worth the media bringing up with coach Fangio at some point when the team re-convenes.