2021 Broncos' Season, Defensive Line

 

The NFL Draft is over, so it's time to re-visit the Broncos' position groups and see where the team is heading into the season. Today I'm continuing with the defensive line.

The defensive line is the backbone of the defense, and often one of the more overlooked groups. Heading into the season, the Broncos currently have 12 players on the roster and will likely have only six or seven on the final roster. That will create some fierce competition. Let's look at the options.

First, the sure bets. Chief among them is Shelby Harris. Over the past two seasons Harris has 16 batted passes and 8.5 sacks. He's a force on the line and the anchor of the returning group for the Broncos. Also a lock is Dre'Mont Jones, the third year player has 10 sacks in his first two seasons and has been a solid performer. 

On the next level is veteran nose tackle Mike Purcell and second-year lineman McTelvin Agim. Those two figure to add some depth and have a good chance of being in the final group. But beyond those four, it's more of a question.

At defensive end, the Broncos have rookies Jonathan Cooper and Marquiss Spencer. Cooper is the more likely of the two to make the team, at least based on talent and draft capital as he was selected out of Ohio State. I suspect the Broncos will try to keep him on either the active roster or Practice Squad.

Among tackle options, the Broncos have veterans Joel Heath, Shamar Stephen, DeShawn Williams, and Isaiah Mack, as well as younger options Deyon Sizer and Jonathan Harris. This adds some depth to the group. Among these players, at this point, I'd lean Heath and Williams as leaders, but anyone could make a name for themselves in pre-season and camp.

In the end, I think the Broncos keep six on the roster at defensive line. My early guess is Harris, Jones, Purcell, Agim, Cooper and Williams. We'll see as the season plays out!