Which Denver Broncos are under most pressure after the draft?

Three Denver Broncos under most pressure after NFL Draft

2. Mike Purcell, DL

Mike Purcell, in 2019 and 2020, was an extremely talented, run-stuffing defensive lineman.  He fell off quite a bit in 2021 and perhaps was just replaced during the draft.

The Broncos shipped Shelby Harris off to the Seahawks in the Russell Wilson trade, leaving them a hole along the defensive line.  The signing of D.J. Jones filled one of those holes, but the unknown of Purcell remained.

The Denver Broncos addressed the defensive line two times during the draft, selecting Eyioma Uwazurike out of Iowa State, and Matt Henningsen out of Wisconsin, both two very talented players.

Now that there are fresh and much younger bodies along the defensive line in Jones, Dre’Mont Jones, Uwazurike, and Henningsen, Mike Purcell, his old age and contract could be under a ton of pressure during the rest of the offseason activities.

Purcell bounced around the league before landing in Denver, so he doesn’t have a track record of consistent success.

Perhaps his 2019 and 2020 seasons were just a bit of a lucky streak?  If Purcell wants to stick around in 2022, he’s going to have to prove it during the rest of the offseason schedule, because it does indeed look like the Denver Broncos are actively trying to replace him.