Updated: 05/02/2017 02:40:43 PM MDT
Now that the NFL draft is over, the Broncos roster is truly beginning to take shape. This is a team that first has to figure out how to get back in the playoffs before having a championship as a realistic expectation.
Broncos general manager John Elway said a priority this offseason was to keep the defense great. In the first of two-part roster breakdown, we take a look at the defense, highlighting strengths, weaknesses and question marks.
Defensive line
Steve Nehf, The Denver PostDenver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe celebrates a sack of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field on Nov. 27, 2016.
This was the weakest unit of the Broncos defense last season because of its inability to consistently stop the run. Adding bulk with the additions of free agents Domata Peko and Zach Kerr should help mitigate those problems, but there still isn't much depth in the interior of the line. What happens if Peko gets hurt or doesn't have much left in the tank at 32?
Rookie defensive end DeMarcus Walker should help the pass rush and could be used inside on some 4-3 packages. A healthier Derek Wolfe and a stronger Adam Gotsis, in his second season, should also help this unit get better, but how much better?
Key additions: Domata Peko, Zach Kerr, DeMarcus Walker
Key depatures: Sylvester Williams, Vance Walker
Status: Middling
Inside linebackers
For the second year in a row the Broncos did not draft an inside linebacker when depth at the position was considered a need.
Broncos head coach Vance Joseph praised the duo of Brandon Marshall and Todd Davis. Marshall battled a hamstring injury during the second half of his disappointing 2016 season. He's been training for a bounce back season. Corey Nelson played well as a coverage linebacker in 2016. This position is a season-ending injury away from being a bigger concern.
Key addition, departure: None
Status: Middling inching toward weakness
Outside linebackers
Von Miller is arguably the NFL's best pass rusher, with or without DeMarcus Ware around. Shane Ray has a huge task stepping in for Ware to become the main edge rusher opposite Miller. He certainly has the talent. Miller and Ray hope to solidify themselves as the NFL's best pass rushing duo. Can they combine for 25 sacks?
Shaquil Barrett will step into Ray's former role as the first edge rusher off the bench. The Broncos hope he'll perform closer to how he did in 2015 (5.5 sacks) than 2016 (1.5 sacks). Kasim Edebali will be counted on for depth and help on special teams.
Key addition: Kasim Edebali
Key departures: DeMarcus Ware, Dekoda Watson
Status: Strength
Cornerbacks
There's not much more this group can do to show its brilliance. The No Fly Zone has led the NFL in pass defense in each of the past two seasons. With their top three cornerbacks returning, there should be little drop-off in production.
Aqib Talib and Chris Harris earned first-team all-pro honors in 2016. Depth became a minor issue when Kayvon Webster departed. The Broncos drafted Brendan Langley, who should help offset the Webster loss. It was also a move with an toward the future as Talib is year-to-year and Bradley Roby is nearing a big pay day.
Key addition: Brendan Langley
Key departure: Kayvon Webster
Status: Strength
Safeties
The safeties in the no-fly zone don't get as much attention as the cornerbacks, but they are among the best in football. T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart have won games with their playmaking ability and intimidated pass catchers with their hard hits.
Ward is entering the final year of his contract, but Denver drafted two promising potential replacements last year in Justin Simmons and Will Parks. The Broncos are set up for the present and for the future at safety.
Key addition, departure: None
Status: Strength