Without Von Miller, what position group for the defensive side of the ball steps up and continues the dominance for the Denver Broncos defense?
Over the past decade, the Denver Broncos have had a strong defense. Looking ahead to 2022, will that continue, and if so, which position groups will be the strongest?
In a previous article, I took a look at the offensive positions groups. This is about the group that for the first time in a while, has its own question marks.
Uncertainty is one word that could describe what the Denver Broncos’ defense will be in 2022. Vic Fangio was let go of his duties for the organization and Von Miller has officially moved on from the Denver Broncos.
While he was traded midseason in 2021, this is the first time the Denver Broncos are planning to be without the former Super Bowl MVP. Reinforcements have been brought in with Randy Gregory and Nik Bonitto at the edge position, but a rookie and an often unavailable player do not bring any sense of calmness into the realm of reality.
There is hope for that group. Baron Browning, the second-year linebacker out of Ohio State showed plenty of promise last year. Bradley Chubb is also returning and barring any setbacks during the offseason, will be a full-go come the start of the season.
Although the Denver Broncos may be robbing Peter to pay Paul by shifting Browning to a more versatile role, it does give the team the opportunity to put a more unpredictable group out on the field.
Like with Micah Parsons, Browning could drop into coverage if asked, rush the passer, or set an edge in the run game.
Browning being on the field gives the Denver Broncos flexibility wherever he plays.
However, one group brings the most confidence on the defensive side of the ball and that is the cornerback room.
Denver Broncos defensive position group no. 1: Cornerbacks lurk at the top
Patrick Surtain II is a budding superstar and put himself on the radars of the nation, other team executives, and opposing quarterbacks with his play. Surtain II intercepted division foe, Justin Herbert, twice last season. Surtain II also picked off Patrick Mahomes.
Ronald Darby is a good number two cornerback when healthy, and the team added K’wuan “the shark” Williams to solidify a solid top three cornerback room.
Pushing those top three for playing time will be third-year cornerback, Micheal Ojemudia who had himself a fine outing to close out the season against the Kansas City Chiefs last season.
Damarri Mathis was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and Austin Bless and Essany Bassey are also expected to push the back end of that group. Donnie Lewis Jr., Ja’Quan McMillian, and Faion Hicks will join Mathis in fighting for a spot on the back end of the depth chart.
Back to Patrick Surtain II, I think he builds on what was an incredible rookie season and at least earns himself a Pro Bowl bid if not pushes for All-Pro. Between Surtain II and Justin Simmons, the Denver Broncos have themselves a pair of legit studs in their secondary.
Patrick Surtain II had four interceptions and 14 pass deflections in his rookie campaign, I expect that four to end up around six this season, even with his name gaining notoriety. Ronald Darby breaks his spell of interception-less football this season too.