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Denver Broncos defensive position group rankings in 2022

By Chandler Hyler

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 08: Baron Browning #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a defensive play against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on January 8, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 08: Baron Browning #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a defensive play against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on January 8, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos, Madden 23
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 08: Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos tackles Darrel Williams #31 of the Kansas City Chiefs for a loss in the first quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on January 8, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos position group no 3: Outside Linebackers

Some shuffling at this position will be happening in 2022, whether it works or not, it is coming.

Change can be great. Change can also fail and be ineffective.

In a nutshell, George Paton took a chance on Randy Gregory in free agency over bringing Von Miller back home to the Denver Broncos or signing Chandler Jones.

If I were to guess here, my thinking would be that George Paton believes Randy Gregory is an untapped player with untapped potential, that may finally blossom in Denver.

It is a risk, which the entire group of outside linebackers all seems to carry their own potential risk with them. At the same time, they are all incredibly talented football players and if it works out, the Denver Broncos could have the best group of pass rushers in the entire league.

Bradley Chubb has been battling injuries for the past three seasons and has yet to duplicate the success he had in his rookie season. If he can stay healthy, Chubb is a strong pass rusher who is physical and can set a solidified edge.

Baron Browning who will be seeing some time at the edge has never been a full-time edge rusher and this could bring a learning curve for the former Buckeye who is just in his second season. Fantastic player, but there is a chance this new role takes some time for his acclamation.

However, I personally do not think this will be a huge problem for Browning. Whatever his role in the defense is in 2022, I think he will be great.

Randy Gregory is talented as can be, but like Chubb, he just has not seen a ton of action. With minor injury issues and several suspensions, Gregory’s missing time is something that is hoped to be fixed. Everyone who played with Greogy or coached him in Dallas raved on the person and player.

Randy Gregory could be a dominant full-time player if he reaches his potential and does so for a full season. This has been the riskiest move of George Paton’s tenure in Denver, so much like Broncos Country, George Paton is hopeful Randy Gregory works out in Denver.

Nik Bonitto was the first selection for the Denver Broncos in the 2022 NFL Draft in the second round. Bonitto has an elastic bend to him and has great moves coming off of the edge, but he will be in his rookie season.

There will be growth needed for Bonitto, mental and physical.

With time, Bonitto could be a great situational pass rusher for the Denver Broncos as the season progresses and he gets his feet wet. Malik Reed and Jonathon Cooper should round out the back end of the group, giving insurance to an otherwise questionable group of edge rushers.

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