Broncos: 7 free agent defensive linemen the team could sign in 2021
7. Dawuane Smoot, Jaguars (age: 26 in March)
Thinking a little bit outside of the box on this one, I think Dawuane Smoot is going to be a really intriguing pickup for some team in the 2021 free agency circuit.
The Jaguars have obviously not been featured a whole lot when it comes to being put in prime time, so a player like Smoot has flown (understandably) under the radar.
At 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, he has the look of more of an edge player in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme but Smoot has played a power defensive end role for the Jaguars and has kicked inside to play some defensive tackle when asked to do so at times.
The Broncos do have a need for some depth off the edge with Jeremiah Attaochu hitting free agency, and adding a player like Smoot could give them a variety of options in their nickel package.
Over the past couple of seasons, Smoot has really emerged with 11.5 sacks, 24 QB hits, and this past season alone he had 31 QB pressures.
That kind of pass rush productivity would be welcomed in Denver if the team can be creative with their personnel groupings up front.
In addition to his pass rush productivity, Smoot has 11 tackles for loss over the past few seasons, so he’s proven (in fairly limited snaps) that he can also be productive against the run.
I think Smoot is an ascending, scheme versatile player who could be a sneaky good signing for the Broncos.