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Denver Broncos: 4 Non-starters who can make an impact

By Shelby Manning

Jun 1, 2021; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos lineman Cody Conway (60) and lineman Quinn Meinerz (77) and center Lloyd Cushenberry (79) during organized team activities at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2021; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos lineman Cody Conway (60) and lineman Quinn Meinerz (77) and center Lloyd Cushenberry (79) during organized team activities at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass after being pressured out of the pocket by Denver Broncos defensive end DeShawn Williams (90) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass after being pressured out of the pocket by Denver Broncos defensive end DeShawn Williams (90) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

DeShawn Williams 

In what is his third stint with the Denver Broncos in the duration of his career, nose tackle DeShawn Williams proved to be a strong force when called upon in the 2020 season. Though his 2020 statistics, one interception, two sacks, and three deflected passes (per NFL.com), do not tell the entire story of his role in 2020.

Williams, though backup to fellow nose tackle Mike Purcell, played in 14 of 17 regular season games, and saw his playing time increase toward the end of the season after Mike Purcell was placed on I.R. in Week 7 of the regular season.

In the wake of Purcell’s injury, DeShawn Williams was a strong presence as a pass rusher in his time on the field, and had an especially successful day against the Miami Dolphins in 2020, recording his two sacks of the season in that contest. Williams also recorded tackles in nearly every game he played in.

In 2021, it is unclear just how often we will see DeShawn Williams on the field. A large factor to consider will be how Mike Purcell has recovered from his foot injury sustained last season. We could even see a potential battle in training camp between this duo for a starting spot.

However, if nothing else, expect to see Williams, if not starting, to get a healthy amount of reps in game action, especially on blitzes.

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