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Denver Broncos: How new-look defense could match Vic Fangio’s 2018 Bears

By Travis Wakeman

Aug 25, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY SportsChicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.Nfl Kansas City Chiefs At Chicago Bears
Aug 25, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY SportsChicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.Nfl Kansas City Chiefs At Chicago Bears /
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Danny Trevathan, Broncos
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 15: Danny Trevathan #59 of the Chicago Bears calls teammates to give a play against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High on September 15, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Inside linebackers

In 2018, the Bears had former Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan at one of the inside linebacker spots and the guy next to him, that year’s first-round pick, Roquan Smith, is the one player the Broncos currently can’t match from that 2018 Bears defense.

The Broncos have Alexander Johnson, a player who is quickly rising the ranks of linebackers in the league and while he may not be quite as athletic as Trevathan, he is able to play his position well and make plays. He has really blossomed since Fangio came aboard.

On the other side, the Broncos have Josey Jewell, a player who is closer to Nick Kwiatkowski, the linebacker that moved into more of a rotational role after the Bears traded for Mack and moved Smith into the starting lineup.

Jewell could serve in a rotational role and be a credit to the team, but the Broncos can find an equivalent for Smith in the first round of the draft by selecting Penn State’s Micah Parsons.

As a rookie in 2018, Smith had 121 tackles, five sacks and an interception. Parsons could match those numbers and perhaps be an even bigger impact player. He should be the player the Broncos take at No. 9 overall in the first round.

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