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5 Denver Broncos who must have a huge summer

By Travis Wakeman

Denver Broncos guard Dalton Risner (66) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos guard Dalton Risner (66) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos, Mike Purcell
Dec 22, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos nose tackle Mike Purcell (98) reacts after a play against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Broncos who need a huge summer: Mike Purcell, Defensive line

Mike Purcell is a player that has started to fall out of favor within the organization and will be a popular pick to not make the team this season. Good thing he has an entire summer to change that perception.

At one time, Purcell became a stout run-stuffer in Vic Fangio’s defense but the 2021 season was just not a good one for him. The Broncos have Dre’Mont Jones and D.J. Jones, one of their top signings in free agency, in line to start in 2022. There is one spot open on that defensive line but Purcell would have to do a lot to take that spot.

DeShawn Williams will have something to say about it and rookies Eyioma Uwazurike and Matt Henningsen will get their chances as well, which could easily lock Purcell out and limit his snaps this summer.

So he is going to have to make the most of the ones he gets.

Purcell was a guy that Fangio liked having around, familiarizing himself with him during his stops in both San Francisco and Chicago as the defensive coordinator. But he dealt with COVID toward the end of last season and was even a surprise inactive at one point last season.

He will have to earn the praise of the new coaching staff and show that he can fit and be productive in the defense that new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will be putting in place.

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