Broncos Training Camp: Who makes the cut along the defensive line?

The Denver Broncos defensive line may have a few spots up for grabs. Who will step up in a talented and seasoned room?

It’s no secret that this year the Denver Broncos look to field one of the best, if not the best, defensive units since their historic Super Bowl run in 2015. With all the talk surrounding a secondary reminiscent to that of the ‘No Fly Zone’, it is important to remember that their defensive front will ultimately be the one to piece the defense all together. However, deciding which players deserve the opportunity to do so will not be an easy task.

Leaders of the pack

Shelby Harris, Mike Purcell, and Dre’Mont Jones seem to be obvious locks as they all stand along the top of the depth chart. Shelby Harris who is fresh off signing a 3-year, $27 million deal, should continue to thrive this season. Despite only starting in 11 games in 2020, Harris still managed 2.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, and seven passes defended. His ability to pressure the quarterback in a number of different ways makes him an important cornerstone on this defense.

Mike Purcell has also solidified his spot on the line as an anchor at the nose tackle position. While his game doesn’t always translate onto the stat sheet, his efforts make him an unsung hero in Denver’s defense.

His ability to clog up the interior and take on double-teams make him a valuable piece in the run game and in short-yardage situations. Coming off a season-ending injury to his foot last year, Purcell should be ready to man the middle at the start of training camp next month.

As for Dre’Mont Jones, the former third-round draft pick will look to take his game to the next level this upcoming season. Jones appeared to thrive under the lights last year in the absence of several starters during an injury-plagued 2020 season. With Jurrell Casey out of Denver, Jones should see plenty of playing time early and often this year.

Soft Locks

Following presumed starters in Harris, Purcell, and Jones, it’s likely that any remaining roster spots will be decided throughout training camp and the better part of the preseason.

Oddly enough, every single player vying for a roster spot has their own reasons to feel like their spot on the team can be solidified, whether it be a newly signed contract or their value as a fairly recent draft pick. Unfortunately, the abundance of competition will make for some hard decisions come cutting time. We all know, no job in the NFL is ever safe.

Here are some candidates that will be looking to secure their position on the final roster:

Shamar Stephen

In his eighth season, Shamar Stephen is looking to find his place as a veteran rotational player with Denver this season. His ties with George Paton and the Vikings brought him in to be a veteran presence with starters like Purcell freshly coming off injuries.

Although Stephen does not appear to have the ability to wreck a game along the interior, Stephen’s 77 appearances in 80 possible games over the last five years help him fit the mold of a reliable veteran who can fill in and manage in-game situations.

McTelvin Agim

The second-year player was drafted in the third round last year and it became evident he’d have to hone his craft before seeing any serious playing time on Sundays. However, after the Broncos were left thin at the interior line position several times throughout the season, Agim was in prime position to make some serious noise as a rookie.

Unfortunately, Agim still struggled to crack the starting lineup or earn significant time in the defensive rotation. Again, Agim is only a year off from being drafted, but he needs to prove that he can be disruptive and effective with the opportunities he gets on the field. His time may very well be ticking with the Paton taking over the reins.

Down to the wire

DeShawn Williams

Williams’ surge of spectacular on-field play last season is keeping him in the running for what could be the final roster spot along the interior defensive line this year.

After being called up from the practice squad during a long string of injuries that haunted the defensive front in 2020, Williams had a couple of big splash plays for the Broncos. He ended the season with 37 tackles, two sacks, seven QB hits, three passes defended, and even an interception.

Unfortunately for Williams, the position room has grown a bit crowded with players returning from injury. He’ll have to prove himself once again throughout training camp and preseason if he hopes to make the final cut.

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Marquiss Spencer

Being drafted in the seventh round often indicates it’ll be some time before a player gets the chance to step on the field. Spencer’s odds don’t seem favorable as he walks into a Broncos defense that is loaded with talent across the board.

However, Spencer’s production throughout his college career isn’t something to be taken lightly. In the final two years of his collegiate career, Spencer accounted for 71 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, five sacks, and three forced fumbles.

He remains a long shot to make the team, but with an impressive showing early on, Spencer could look to shake up the depth chart just before the season’s start.