Projecting the Broncos 2020 starters on defense – Version 2.0

Back in November, when the Broncos sat at 3-7 and were clearly headed toward rebuilding mode – even if they weren’t quite ready to admit it – it was time to turn the page toward next season. As such, the final six weeks of the season needed to be used to determine who would stay and who would go in 2020.

For the most part, Denver did a good job of that down the stretch. A lot of questions were answered, providing a road map for how to address the offseason.

When it comes to filling holes, John Elway and Company have a lot to work with heading into 2020. In the draft, they have nine total picks, seven of which are in the first four rounds. And in free agency, they’ll have money to spend; currently, the Broncos are projected to have around $60 million in cap space available, a number that balloons to more than $75 million once Joe Flacco and Ron Leary are released.

Where do they need to focus their attention? What should the Broncos spend those picks and dollars on?

Projecting the starting lineup for 2020 provides some answers. After evaluating the current roster, Denver can decide who should and shouldn’t return. Then, they can address the remaining holes via the draft and free agency.

The initial attempt at this process provided some interesting results in November. Here’s the latest edition of the Broncos projected 2020 starts, focusing on the defense:

***

DEFENSE

DE – Dre’Mont Jones
Jones had a solid rookie year, particularly in the second half of the season. Following Derek Wolfe’s injury, he stepped in and played well, showing that he’s ready to assume a starting role. In Week 16, he had 2.5 sacks and two tackles for a loss against the Lions, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

DT – Mike Purcell
When the former AAF product was inserted into the starting lineup in Week 5, the Broncos defense took a major step forward, especially against the run. Before he was a regular, Denver was shredded for 200-plus yards by Leonard Fournette. Once he was in the middle, Vic Fangio’s defense was much better against the run.
NOTE: Purcell is a restricted free agent; the Broncos would be smart to re-sign him.

DE – Shelby Harris
Harris blossomed once the Broncos moved him outside, where he was clearly more comfortable. On the season, he recorded a career high 6.0 sacks, while also knocking down nine passes at the line of scrimmage. He’s a good veteran presence that has a knack for making plays.
NOTE: Harris is an unrestricted free agent; if his price tag doesn’t skyrocket, the Broncos would be wise to bring him back.

OLB – Bradley Chubb
A knee injury cut short Chubb’s season, but there’s no doubt that he’s going to be a major contributor in Denver for years to come. Prior to getting hurt, the second-year linebacker was arguably the Broncos best defensive player.

ILB – Alexander Johnson
Denver entered the 2019 season with a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. It took them five weeks to find a solution, but they finally filled the void when Johnson became a starter in Week 5. He’s solid against the run and brings an overall level of intensity to the defense that was missing.

ILB – Malik Harrison (R)
Harrison stock is falling a bit, which is good news for the Broncos. He should be available in the second round. Harrison has been a major contributor the past two seasons in the middle of Ohio State’s defense. He’s a tackling machine who has excelled in a lot of big games.

OLB – Von Miller
While Miller’s sack totals are down this year, there’s no denying that he’s still one of the best defensive players in the league. Given another season in Fangio’s defense, the numbers will come; his statistical drop is more of an aberration than a troubling trend.
NOTE: The Broncos have a team option on Miller; as Elway said in his end-of-the-season press conference, the linebacker will return.

CB – Bryce Callahan
Callahan makes Ja’Wuan James look like a steal. After signing a three-year, $21 million contract during the offseason, the cornerback never played a game for the Broncos in 2019 – not in the preseason or the regular season. He has to return from his foot injury and provide the Broncos with some return on their investment.

CB – Trevon Diggs (R)
At the end of the season, it felt like the Chris Harris Jr. era in Denver was coming to an end. That being the case, the Broncos will need to find a young cornerback, with the Alabama star being a great option. The younger brother of Stefon Diggs is a converted wideout with loads of talent.

FS – Justin Simmons
This season, Simmons was arguably the Broncos most-consistent defender in 2019. He was literally on the field for every play, performing at a high level each week. He has a nose for the football, evidenced by his four interceptions on the season, and has emerged as a team leader.
NOTE: Simmons is an unrestricted free agent who will get a lot of attention; the Broncos need to prove they’ll retain good, young players however.

SS – Kareem Jackson
Jackson was a solid free-agent signing last year. He had two great games in 2019, helping the Broncos to their first win at the Chargers and earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in a victory over the Texans. In those games, Jackson was all over the field, showing what he can bring to Denver

***

To see the projections on offense, CLICK HERE

Follow @jamesmerilatt