Editor’s note: Seventh in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp. Today, outside linebackers.Previous previews:quarterbacks,running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive line and defensive line.
On the roster (nine): Nik Bonitto, Baron Browning, Jonathon Cooper, Jonah Elliss, Drew Sanders (torn Achilles tendon), Thomas Incoom, Ronnie Perkins, Durell Nchami and Jaylon Allen.
How many on the 53? Five.
Most impactful offseason move: Passing on Jared Verse, Laiatu Latu and Dallas Turner in NFL draft.
On draft night, the Broncos passed on taking top pass rushers in Verse, Latu and Turner in favor of selecting quarterback Bo Nix. Denver addressed the most important position on the field, making the move understandable. But the Broncos haven’t had a dominant pass rusher since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, and all three of those players have the potential to be premier players at the position.
Biggest question to answer in camp: Will a star emerge?
Even though Bonitto and Cooper’s sack production went up last season, the Broncos’ pass rush remained inconsistent. Denver had the fifth-highest blitz percentage (35%) in the league but finished 29th in pressure rate (18.2%), according to Pro Football Reference. The Broncos have high hopes for their trio of edge rushers — Bonitto, Cooper and Browning — but will one emerge as a consistent threat off the edge and become the first Denver defender to record double-digit sacks in a season since 2018? Bonitto has tremendous speed and explosiveness but struggled as a run defender. Cooper and Browning, both of whom will be unrestricted free agents in 2025, also have shown flashes. This fall will be big for each of them.
Battle to watch: Fifth spot in the outside linebacker rotation.
Just like the defensive line, the Broncos had five outside linebackers on the initial 53-man roster. With Drew Sanders sidelined by injury, Elliss, a third-round selection in April, has the potential to be the fourth player in the outside linebacker rotation. Incoom was one of four undrafted players to make the roster last fall, but only played 20 defensive snaps in four games. Perkins is another option to take the fifth spot in Denver’s outside linebacker room, as he had 13 tackles in seven games (149 defensive snaps) after the Broncos signed him off New England’s practice squad last September.
Under-the-radar player: Jonah Elliss
The Broncos have a solid trio of edge rushers, but Elliss shouldn’t be overlooked. Elliss recorded 37 tackles (16 for loss) and 12.0 sacks in 10 starts before suffering a season-ending injury last fall. Padded practices will tell a different story, but Elliss looked good during Denver’s offseason program, making a contribution in the run and pass game. Coming out of college, Elliss was known for playing with a high motor and explosiveness.
Wednesday: Inside linebackers
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Originally Published: July 16, 2024 at 9:22 a.m.
