Denver Broncos defensive position group rankings in 2022

Denver Broncos position group no 4: Defensive Line

Outside of signing Randy Gregory, the second biggest splash signing of free agency was bringing in the beast, D.J.Jones on the defensive front.

In this scheme, the Denver Broncos will need large defensive linemen, at 6-foot-0 and 305 pounds, D.J. Jones is just that. Fellow Jones ‘brother’ Dre’Mont is expected to take a large leap in 2022.

Dre’Mont Jones has 12 total sacks over the last two seasons, this could be the first season he amasses double digits.

In a contract year, Dre’Mont will not only be playing for the Denver Broncos this season but for his future checkbook as well. Not that Dre’Mont has not been playing with everything he has up to this point, it looks like he does, but there are times when you see an uptick in production from players during contract years.

Trading Shelby Harris to the Seattle Seahawks leaves a void on this defensive line, one that the Denver Broncos hope Dre’Mont can help fill. Shelby Harris was a great player with a high motor, he chased down Tyreek Hill for crying out loud.

Mike Purcell is returning, who is a big boost for the Denver Broncos’ run support.

Eyioma Uwazurike and Matt Henningsen were both selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, but their contributions this season is not something I would count on.

As rookies coming into a strong division, there will be some learnings and that is not an insult directed towards the two rookies, just an acknowledgment that the hope is that they are solid contributors in year two.

This group is not “sexy” but the starters are a strong group. My biggest concern is with the depth of this group, Deshawn Willaims is a solid backup but after that, it would get pretty dicey. Adding a veteran to this group would not be something I would balk at.