The Broncos have reached the end of training camp, with Sunday’s preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals concluding a long and grueling summer.
The Broncos defense has had its moments during camp. New additions to the defensive line have fit in smoothly, a few young players have emerged as potential contributors, and there has been heated competition up and down the roster.
Still, questions remain as the team prepares to cut the roster down to 53 players on Aug. 27.
How does Elliss fit in edge rusher rotation?
If rookie Jonah Elliss’ performance during training camp and preseason is a reflection of what’s to come this fall, then Denver’s outside linebacker room has a chance to be much improved over last season.
Elliss has played a part in three defensive turnovers in two preseason games. His two pressures against Indianapolis and Green Bay resulted in interceptions from safety Keidron Smith. He also had a strip sack in the win over the Packers.
The Utah product has shown he could make an impact in Year One. With Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper establishing themselves as starters, Elliss could be used in third-down and passing situations. The combination of Elliss and third-year edge rusher Nik Bonitto has the potential to be lethal. Both have good speed off the edge and can quickly get to the quarterback. A pass rush that has struggled to make a consistent impact in the recent past now has options.
“He has counter moves that we hadn’t taught him yet and on his own, he’s kind of done,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “Dropping in coverage is natural for him. Tackling, chasing, playing hard (and) being smart. He’s been awfully impressive for a rookie.”
What’s the concern level for the depth at safety?
A hamstring injury kept veteran safety Brandon Jones sidelined for a good amount of training camp. Even though he is back practicing, Jones has been limited. And with Delarrin Turner-Yell rehabbing from a torn ACL, there’s reason for the Broncos to be concerned about the depth at safety.
“Having (Jones) back out there and getting reps is important,” Joseph said. “The safety spot is a little different (and it’s) a different system for Brandon.”
Safety Devon Key has taken the majority of first-team reps alongside P.J. Locke despite being on the practice squad in 2023. Second-year safety JL Skinner has flashed at times this summer, especially during last week’s matchup against the Packers when he tackled wide receiver Bo Melton for a one-yard gain.
But there are still a fair amount of question marks for a group no longer steadied by veteran Justin Simmons.
When will Jones return to full strength? When he does, will he be able to prove that he is more than a blitzer? Are the unproven guys like Key and Skinner ready to take on bigger roles?
Is there room for Bailey on 53-man roster?
Rookie inside linebacker Levelle Bailey has impressed throughout training camp. He has proven his value in special teams and has made a few plays in the passing game during practice.
Head coach Sean Payton was impressed with Bailey’s college film at Fresno State, where he had 82 tackles and three interceptions in his fifth season before signing with Denver as an undrafted free agent.
Bailey is a player worth developing, and Payton has shown his willingness to give undrafted rookies a shot. He kept four on last year’s roster, including outside linebacker Thomas Incoom and running back Jaleel McLaughlin. But how does keeping Bailey on the 53-man roster impact other guys in the inside linebacker room? Justin Strnad has been a solid special teams player for the Broncos. At the same time, Denver could lean toward Bailey, as he is a young player with promise.
How many cornerbacks will make the team?
It’s realistic for Denver to keep six cornerbacks on the initial 53-man roster. Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, rookie Kris Abrams-Draine and Ja’Quan McMillian are no-doubt locks. After that, it gets interesting.
Levi Wallace and third-year cornerback Damarri Mathis could fill the remaining two spots. Wallace has missed time due to a hamstring injury, but Joseph praised the former Steelers cornerback for being a “super smart” player, and the team could use his veteran presence. Mathis was benched in the middle of last season, but Joseph insists his confidence and technique have improved.
That leaves Tremon Smith as the potential odd man out. Smith is a core special teamer and has return experience. But he has struggled at times in coverage. Reese Taylor has had a strong camp and was occasionally used to blitz the quarterback. It wouldn’t be surprising if Denver decided to sign him to the practice squad.
Can Denver’s success against run translate into regular season?
The Broncos’ run defense in two preseason games has been impressive. Denver held the Colts to 64 rushing yards in the opener before limiting the Packers to 88 yards on the ground in the win over Green Bay. Granted, the Broncos are primarily facing backups. But the defense’s performance in those games and the joint practice with the Packers could foretell better production than in 2023, when Denver allowed 137.1 rushing yards per game.
John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach have paired well with returners Zach Allen and D.J. Jones. Edge rusher Jonathon Cooper has looked solid in run defense during practices. And Bonitto has been determined to improve as a run defender.
If Denver wants to prevent another 1-5 start, it will have to be stronger against the run.
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