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.
Denver Broncos position group no 2: Safeties
This group is talented at the top and bottom of the depth chart.
Leading the way for the safeties is Justin Simmons, who was a second-team Al-Pro in 2021. Simmons led the team with five interceptions, which he had back-to-back seasons dating back to 2020.
Along with 12 pass deflections, Simmons continued to be a fine fit in the run game as well with 80 tackles.
Down from his 90+ number in the previous three seasons, but that is no concern. Simmons is an incredible player and if it were not for Patrick Surtain II, I would say he is the clear-cut best defender for the Denver Broncos in 2022.
That isn’t saying I think Justin Simmons has lost a step, it is stating Patrick Surtain II is going to be that good.
Kareem Jackson was brought back on a one-year deal where I think he can excel as a potential “dime backer” playing in the slot, fitting in on the run along with K’Wuan Williams.
Caden Sterns and Kareem Jackson will probably split time at the other starting safety spot, while I expect Jasckon to get the nod early.
Around midseason is when I could see Jackson filling in more on the six DB look IF Caden Sterns continues his growth from last season. Having two long and rangy safeties like Caden Sterns and Justin Simmons keeping everything in front of them will be key against teams that love to stretch the field.
Delarrin Turner-Yell was drafted to compete for a spot, along with returning safeties, Jamar Johnson and P.J. Locke. J.R. Reed was also signed in free agency, but I expect his contribution to be in a strong special teams role.
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.
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.
Denver Broncos position group no 5: Inside Linebacker
Outlaw, Josey Jewell, was re-signed by George Paton and the Denver Broncos to a two-year deal. However, his running mate, Alexander Johnson, was not.
After the Denver Broncos lost both of the two last seasons, things got pretty ugly against the Cleveland Browns. That was against a Browns team that was missing its starting quarterback and top two running backs.
One rookie stepped in and played well, Jonas Griffith.
Jonas Griffith was a delight for the Denver Broncos in 2022 when they needed it most. There were flaws in his game, but he played well enough to put his name in the hat for the Denver Broncos’ future at the position.
Alex Singleton was also signed during free agency. Singleton, like Griffith, was brought in by George Paton for being a great special teams player. Baron Browning could still see some time here, and I think he will if necessary, but this group is a thin one.
Kadofi Wright, Barrington Wade, Kana’i Mauga, and Justin Strnad are the other linebackers currently on the roster. Again, not a stellar group here and this is why I list them last on a strong group of positions for the Denver Broncos’ defense.
Josey Jewell is limited athletically, but in a defense where he can read and react, instead of trying to mirror Darren Waller, is a good player. Jonas Griffith is a good player.
Kwon Alexander is still a free agent and the Denver Broncos do have some cap space, it is minimal, but it is enough to bring in some insurance for this group. Broncos Country has seen what it was like when you don’t have an NFL-caliber linebacker on your roster last season.
It lets middling quarterbacks like Case Keenum beat you due to your inability to get off the field, ahead of the sticks, or halt any sort of momentum the opposition has.
Denver Broncos trade options with Miami Dolphins in 2022
Could the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins come together on a trade in 2022? Let's take a look through some of the possibilities.
Having an issue like that happen would be unacceptable when you look at the reality of what this season could be. Winning a championship is a reality for this team. This group is the floor for this team, raising it with another solid veteran would not be a bad thing.