5 reasons the Denver Broncos have the best defense in the NFL
5. Depth
For what feels like the first time in a long time, the Denver Broncos have tremendous depth at all three levels of their defense.
Even if their depth looked solid on paper in years past, it’s hard to look at the present roster and not think that they’ve made substantial improvements all over the defensive side of the ball to the point that the “next man up” might not be the worst thing in the world in 2021.
The defensive line easily goes two deep. The linebacker position has two talented young prospects in Justin Strnad and Baron Browning who will factor into the rotation in 2021.
The defensive backfield is as deep as we’ve ever seen it with the Denver Broncos, especially at the cornerback position where Pat Surtain is going into his rookie season as the team’s CB4, and not just because of silly “seniority”.
The safety position got a boost in the depth department with the additions of rookies Caden Sterns and Jamar Johnson, two players who have outstanding ball skills.
Thinking about having to make roster cuts on that side of the ball should be causing George Paton to lose a little sleep at night. It’s a great problem to have, to be sure, but no matter what cuts have to be made, the depth on the Denver Broncos defense is going to be very good.
Players who started for the team last year might end up being rotational pieces in 2021. Players who played no role in 2020 could step up to be key pieces of the rotation in 2021.
This group is easily the best Vic Fangio has had on paper since he left the Chicago Bears in 2018 and is frankly a lot better on paper than that one.
Potential is a word that NFL teams really don’t like to use, but this Broncos defense has more than just potential to be great. If they can stay healthy, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be ranking in the top 5 in every category, and one area where we hope to see a significant boost in 2021 is in the turnovers created department.
Right now, near the end of June, may be premature to say it, but the Denver Broncos could very well have the best defense in the NFL in 2021.