Linebackers
The linebacker corps for the Broncos was dealt a huge blow before the season even started. Von Miller was lost for the season with a dislocated peroneal tendon.
Bradley Chubb ended up getting selected to the Pro Bowl following a 7.5 sack season but it was Malik Reed that really turned some heads, leading the entire team with eight sacks.
Jeremiah Attaochu added five sacks of his own and the two starting inside linebackers — Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell played well. Johnson led the team in tackles with 124 and Jewell, who was a big surprise this year, was right behind him with 112.
There were other players who chipped in here and there such as Anthony Chickillo and Derrek Tuszka, but those were the core players. The team should be able to keep that group together for next year as well.
Perhaps the biggest offseason story (or non-story) could be what the team decides to with the contract of Miller.
But considering what this group was able to do without its best player, it was a solid collective effort. However, the team still can’t reliably cover the tight end. Stop me when you’ve heard that before.
Grade: B-