Denver Broncos toughest position no. 1: Edge rusher
The absolute toughest position to crack the Denver Broncos’ roster in 2022 is off the edge.
Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory are the projected starters here.
While Gregory recovers from an offseason shoulder procedure, it should be primarily Chubb and Malik Reed on the field.
The Broncos had 2021 third-round pick Baron Browning — arguably the most athletic player on the team, pound for pound — make a position switch to the edge from off-ball linebacker.
Then they went and used their top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on pass rusher Nik Bonitto.
As of right now, the Broncos have maybe five spots for the following list of players:
- Bradley Chubb
- Randy Gregory
- Malik Reed
- Nik Bonitto
- Baron Browning
- Jonathon Cooper
- Aaron Patrick
- Christopher Allen
- Jonathan Kongbo
What happens if Jonathan Kongbo comes out and is dominant in preseason games?
What if Aaron Patrick proves to be too valuable to the special teams to let go of?
What if undrafted rookie Christopher Allen is this year’s version of Shaquil Barrett?
While this position group will be one of the most fun to watch, I think it’s also going to be one of the most difficult competitions to watch unfold because I have a feeling none of us are going to want to see these players let go when the time comes.
Re-drafting the Denver Broncos last 10 first-round picks
The Denver Broncos have had some hits and some misses in the last decade atop the NFL Draft. How would they do things differently if they could?
Hopefully, out of that group of nine players, the Denver Broncos are able to keep at least six or seven including practice squad slots, but that might be wishful thinking.
If there’s one position group I’m certain a trade is eventually coming, it’s off the edge.