Position by position wish list for Denver Broncos in Free Agency

Defensive Tackles

David Onyemeta 

If Denver truly wants to dip into the New Orleans Saints defensive line it would be wise to choose the better option and that is David Onyemeta. Onyemeta is a very athletic big body capable defensive tackle that surprises on tape. Statistically, he has not had a lot of sacks by any means but he still generates pressure as a defensive tackle. 

Onyemeta paired with DJ Jones would actually make for a fun dynamic in generating a rush. Jones has done a lot by himself and for the first season he did a great job holding his. While the run defense was suspect, one person can only hold the fort down for so long. Onyemata gives the Broncos relief alongside Jones to help him out upfront. It is unsure if a move like this would rule out a DeShawn Williams reunion. But it is important once again to remind people Denver Broncos need able bodies to create as much of a clog on the line as other teams would need a plunger to create lanes. 

As we said earlier, Onyemata gives Denver a second option in the defensive front who can push linemen backward with strength and power. If Onyemata can flip a switch like with Jones, Denver may have an underrated duo. Both would give the Broncos solid support in the run game and create double teams. Creating double teams is the underrated point for Onyemata in his being an addition on the defensive line.

Like Davenport, Sean Payton was there for the early growth of Onyemeta as a player with the Saints before taking the Fox job. It would not be a surprise if one of the former Saints players joined the Broncos in the off-season.

Sheldon Rankins

You guessed it. Another former player who played with Sean Payton in New Orleans. Sheldon Rankins is 28 years old but has been able to produce at a good level throughout his career. Rankins is expected to be a priority for the Jets to retain him, but whether they will remains to be the question. The rumor is Rankins asking for $8 million to $10 million a year. That might put him out of the Denver Broncos' price range. However, with Payton back in the coaching saddle it is possible he takes less to play for his former head coach. 

Rankins, like Onyemata, would give the Broncos a formidable duo up front defensively with DJ Jones. This is also one of those moves for Denver that could also trigger life past Dre’Mont Jones which is not out of the question. As we said earlier, if Dre’Mont tests free agency it’s a very possible scenario Jones heads elsewhere leaving a glaring hole next to DJ on that line. Rankins would be a worthwhile investment if Denver chose to go down that route.

Nearing thirty has not stopped Rankins from generating pressure from the inside. Rankins sustained an Achilles injury in 2018 and has steadily tried to get back to that elite form we saw in New Orleans. Make no mistake for Rankins, he would be a fun addition to the Broncos and give the team a player with athleticism alongside DJ. As we said earlier, Rankins would help soften the possible loss of Dre’Mont if he hits free agency.