The defensive line for the Denver Broncos did not stand out in 2019, but the group as a collective unit certainly held its own.
The Broncos ranked 16th in the league against the run. The defensive line also accounted for 20.5 sacks for the Broncos, a group that could be even better in Year 2 under Vic Fangio.
Much of that will depend on how much of the unit the team can keep intact as three of the team’s top players are set to become unrestricted free agents.
That will be a topic in the weeks ahead but right now, let’s look back at the performance of these players this past season.
Note: Deyon Sizer, Jonathan Harris and Kyle Peko were not included due to minimal stats and games played.
Derek Wolfe
Stats
Tackles: 34
Sacks: 7
Tackles for loss: 8
Forced fumbles: 1
Wolfe played quite well and posted nice numbers in 2019, including a career-high seven sacks. Those numbers might have been even better if he was able to finish out the season.
A dislocated elbow in Week 13 shut Wolfe down for the year and potentially, for his Broncos career, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
In eight years with the team, Wolfe has played a full 16-game season just three times. Still, most fans would likely prefer he returns.
Wolfe’s big sack numbers help his grade out, despite only playing in 12 games.
Grade: B
Shelby Harris
Stats
Tackles: 49
Sacks: 6
Tackles for loss: 9
Forced fumbles: 1
Harris was fabulous for the Broncos in 2019 and was the team’s best and most consistent defensive lineman. In a contract year, the big guy definitely made himself some money.
In addition to the stats listed above, Harris developed a knack for batting the ball down at the line of scrimmage, knocking down nine passes on the season. The only players on the roster with more pass deflections were Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, a couple of defensive backs who are expected to get their hands on the ball.
Of course, none of Harris’ knockdowns were better than his last one, which earned the No. 1 spot on our top moments of the year countdown.
Grade: A-
Adam Gotsis
Stats
Tackles: 16
Sacks: 0
Tackles for loss: 1.5
Gotsis appeared in just nine games for the team this past season and his low output in terms of statistics is reflective of that.
However, without Gotsis, who will be a free agent, the team was able to put some other players such as Mike Purcell on the field.
Clearly, Gotsis seemed to fall out of favor with the team’s coaching staff and it’s highly likely that the former second-round pick will be looking for a new place to play next season.
Grade: D
Mike Purcell
Stats
Tackles: 48
Sacks: 0
Tackles for loss: 8.5
Purcell came out of nowhere for the Broncos, going from a guy who looked like a camp body to round out the initial 90-man roster to the starting lineup.
He was second among defensive linemen on the team in tackles and was terrific against the run. His familiarity with Fangio’s defensive scheme seemed to give him an advantage, one that he made the most out of as he may have earned a long-term spot on the team.
Not bad for a guy who was playing in the AAF at this time last year.
Grade: B+
DeMarcus Walker
Stats
Tackles: 22
Sacks: 4
Tackles for loss: 5
There was thought before the season started that Walker would not even make the 53-man roster as the former second-round pick had been a colossal bust through the first two years of his career.
But a new coaching staff and new scheme seemed to be just what the doctor ordered as Walker doubled his entire career statistics in 2019.
His ability to rush the passer was put on display as he picked up four sacks while playing in just 10 games. It’s possible that the Broncos may have salvaged something out of this former high draft choice.
Grade: B-
Dre’Mont Jones
Stats
Tackles: 14
Sacks: 3.5
Tackles for loss: 3.5
Interceptions: 1
The rookie Jones was brought along slowly as he saw action in just under 27 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. In limited action, he showed himself to be a potential future star.
He showed his athleticism by grabbing his first career interception and in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions, he had 2.5 sacks in the game. Jones has a chance to be in the starting lineup next season.
Though it was just a small sample size, Jones played well when he was out there.
Grade: B
Overall grade
Despite not having a major name on the defensive line, the Broncos played quite well in that area in 2019 given the circumstances.
It will be an interesting offseason in terms of the players set to become free agents and the Broncos should do what is needed to keep Harris and Wolfe or — at the very least — one of them.
Purcell and Jones are two guys the team can try to lean on in 2020 if one of those veteran players remains in place.
Gotsis should be done in Denver as he has never lived up to his billing as a second-round pick. Conversely, Walker may have turned his career around with his 2019 performance and could become a solid situational defender for the team.
Grade: B-
