https://player.anyclip.com/anyclip-widget/lre-widget/prod/v1/src/lre.js
The Denver Broncos went 10-7 in 2024 and reached the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2015. The team’s defense played a big role in that success, ranking eighth in takeaways (25), seventh in yards allowed (317.1 PG), third in points allowed (18.3 PG) and first in sacks (63).
So, who were the team’s best (and worst) defenders during the 2024 campaign? Here are the top (and bottom) defensive grades from Pro Football Focus, with a minimum of 125 snaps.
Best Defensive Players
- DB Brandon Jones: 84.8
- CB Pat Surtain: 83.8
- OLB Nik Bonitto: 78.7
- DL John Franklin-Myers: 78.3
- OLB Dondrea Tillman: 69.1
- OLB Jonathon Cooper: 68.8
- DL D.J. Jones: 67.3
- DL Zach Allen: 64.9
- LB Cody Barton: 63.7
Maybe Brandon Jones should have been the Defensive Player of the Year? It’s certainly an upset that Pat Surtain did not end up No. 1 on the list. Zach Allen not being higher on the list is also a surprise.
Worst Defensive Players
- DL Jordan Jackson: 41.3
- LB Justin Strnad: 49.9
- DB P.J. Locke: 51.2
- OLB Jonah Elliss: 54.6
- CB Riley Moss: 57.8
- DL Malcolm Roach: 60.4
- CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 61.5
- DL Devon Key: 63.1
The grade for Riley Moss seems extremely harsh after his breakout season. P.J. Locke, on the other hand, might be in danger of losing his starting job after underwhelming last fall.
To view more grades from 2024, visit the paid version of PFF’ website.