Projecting the Broncos 2020 opening day starting lineup on defense

As the Broncos make the turn toward the stretch run of the 2019 season, they need to turn their attention toward 2020 and beyond. That process starts with determining which players on the current roster will be here in the future. At 3-7, finding those answers is the best use of the remaining six games on the schedule.

One of the things the Broncos have to accomplish during the offseason is to create some stability. The constant turnover amongst the coaching staff, coupled with a revolving door at several positions, has made it difficult for Denver to create any chemistry and/or cohesion. It’s part of the reason why the team got off to such a slow start this season.

To accomplish this, they’ll need to retain some players who are on expiring contracts. At a lot of key positions, the Broncos will have players who are still on rookie contracts. Thus, they’ll have some money to fill in other spots with veterans.

Rather than going down the route of signing big-money free agents from other teams, Denver would be much better off to retain players who are already familiar the system. While it’s impossible to keep everyone, keeping four pending unrestricted free agents and three upcoming restricted free agents would make the most sense for the Broncos.

They’ll certainly have the money to do it, as Denver is projected to have roughly $70 million in salary cap space heading into next season. A part of that will go toward Joe Flacco, as the Broncos will have to eat $13.6 million in dead cap when they part ways with the veteran quarterback.

That should leave plenty of money for a pair of relatively big-ticket signings in Chris Harris Jr. and Justin Simmons. It will allow Denver to spend the money needed to keep Connor McGovern and Shelby Harris from hitting the open market. And finally, it’ll provide the room to get deals done with Tim Patrick, Elijah Wilkinson and Mike Purcell.

That’ll leave very few holes for the Broncos to fill. It’s reasonable to assume that the team’s first- and second-round picks can start in year one, as that was the case in 2019 with Noah Fant and Dalton Risner. Then, it’s up to current backups to make the leap into the starting lineup.

Following that game plan, here’s how Denver’s starting lineup would look for the season opener:

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DEFENSE

DE – Dre’Mont Jones
As a rookie, Jones has shown flashes of being a player. As a result, the third-round pick should be able to make the leap in 2020, which will make long-time Broncos defender Derek Wolfe expendable. Denver can’t keep everyone, especially those with a suitable replacement already on the roster.

DT – Mike Purcell
When the former AAF product was inserted into the starting lineup in Week 5, the Broncos defense took a major step forward, especially against the run. Before he was a regular, Denver was shredded for 200-plus yards by Leonard Fournette. Since he’s been in the middle, Vic Fangio’s defense has been stout against the run.

DE – Shelby Harris
Harris is a much better fit on the outside, where he’s been excelling since Purcell replaced him at defensive tackle in Week 5. He’s an active player who seems to constantly be in the backfield, making him effective against both the run and the pass.

OLB – Bradley Chubb
A knee injury cut short Chubb’s season, but there’s no doubt that he’s going to be a major contributor in Denver for years to come. Prior to getting hurt, the second-year linebacker was arguably the Broncos best defensive player.

ILB – Alexander Johnson
Denver entered the 2019 season with a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. It took them five weeks to find a solution, but they finally filled the void when Johnson became a starter in Week 5. He’s solid against the run, can cover backs and tight ends, and brings an overall level of intensity to the defense that was missing.

ILB – Malik Harrison (R)
Harrison has been a major contributor the past two seasons in the middle of Ohio State’s defense. He’s a tackling machine who has excelled in a lot of big games, making him a good fit to make the transition to the pro level quickly.

OLB – Von Miller
While Miller’s sack totals are down this year, there’s no denying that he’s still one of the best defensive players in the league. Given another season in Fangio’s defense, the numbers will come; his statistical drop is more of an aberration than a troubling trend.

CB – Bryce Callahan
Callahan makes Ja’Wuan James look like a steal. After signing a three-year, $21 million contract during the offseason, the cornerback never played a game for the Broncos in 2019 – not in the preseason or the regular season. He has to return from his foot injury and provide the Broncos with some return on their investment.

CB – Chris Harris Jr.
Harris certainly created some tension with the Broncos front office in the past two years, as he’s wanted to reworked deal. Hopefully, Denver adding $3 to his salary in 2019 was an olive branch that will help the two reach a long-term deal this offseason. Right now, the Broncos don’t have a replacement for Harris on the roster.

FS – Justin Simmons
This season, Simmons has arguably been the Broncos most-consistent defender. He’s literally on the field for every play, performing at a high level each week. He has a nose for the football and has emerged as a team leader, something that should continue during his second contract with the team.

SS – Kareem Jackson
Jackson has been a nice addition to the Broncos secondary. Not only is he good in coverage, but he brings a thumper mentality that adds to Denver’s run defense. When he missed time, his absence was noticeable, as Jackson has developed into a crucial part of Fangio’s defense.

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To see the projections on offense, CLICK HERE

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