The Denver Broncos defensive lineman and edge players performed well in 2024 and made a large jump in Pro Football Focus’ position rankings for the 2025 season.
Good morning, Broncos Country.
A lot can change over the course of one season in the National Football League.
After a rough 2023 campaign, Pro Football Focus wasn’t too high on the Denver Broncos defensive line and edge defenders. Leading up to last season, they ranked the Broncos’ unit as the second-worst in the NFL. It was hard to fault them, considering Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s unit struggled to perform consistently in ‘23, ranking at the bottom of almost every statistical category.
But last season, things changed dramatically for Denver in that regard and Joseph’s defense proved to be one of the best. In their most recent position group analysis, PFF slated the Broncos’ group of defensive linemen and edge players as a Top 10 unit for the coming season—eighth overall. A notable and well-deserved improvement.
Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers proved to be a formidable duo for the franchise last year and undoubtedly helped make an impact for the team. Veteran nose tackle D.J. Jones was played well on the interior. and free agent addition Malcom Roach really helped the team’s depth—they key fourth member in the Broncos’ line rotation.
Their hard-nosed and consistent play up front really helped things out for their group of edge rushers. Headlined by Nik Bonitto, whose All-Pro and Pro-Bowl campaign was one of the most impressive of any defender in the league, the Broncos were able to help amass 63 total sacks—a franchise record—and the most of any team last year.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Broncos added Sai’vion Jones and Que Robinson into the fold, building upon one of the biggest strengths the franchise has. If the Broncos want to be successful this coming season, the team’s defensive trench players will have to continue to play at a high level. Based off last season’s results and the new additions, it seems like they will once again be one of the best in the business.
What do you think, Broncos Country? Do you think Denver will sport another Top 10 unit in this respect this coming season? Do you think they can be even better than last year? Sound off in the comments and let me know!
As always, thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.
Broncos News & Tidbits
Broncos LT Garett Bolles gushes over ‘freak of nature’ Bo Nix after impressive rookie season
The Denver Broncos’ expectations for 2025 have been raised in large part thanks to QB Bo Nix. Offensive tackle Garett Bolles discussed Nix’s impact on the franchise during a Wednesday appearance on NFL Network’s “The Insiders.”
Evan Engram praises Broncos QB Bo Nix’s brain and mentality as impressive
Evan Engram praised Broncos quarterback Bo Nix’s mentality as he joins Denver on a two-year deal, impressed by the rookie’s talent and work ethic that led the team to playoffs.
Denver Broncos’ Garett Bolles helps Elizabeth nonprofit with wildfire mitigation
Garett Bolles traded Empower Field for a ranch in Elizabeth to help USAA and Team Rubicon with wildfire mitigation efforts at Eagle’s Nest Ranch.
Broncos special teams coach gives his thoughts on Marvin Mims
“I’ve always admired him,” Broncos ST coordinator Darren Rizzi said of Marvin Mims.
NFL News & Tidbits
Saints QB Tyler Shough ready to deal with ups, downs of being rookie starter: ‘You’re not going to faze me if we start off 0-2 or I (expletive) suck
Following Derek Carr’s retirement, Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough’s poised to take on the starting spot should he emerge victorious from a QB battle and is ready to ride the rollercoaster ahead.
Top five NFL draft values of the millennium at OL: Jason Kelce massive steal for Eagles
Which NFL draft picks on the offensive line have provided the best value since the turn of the century 25 years ago? Eric Edholm reveals his top five rankings, a list led by a sixth-round selection.
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers: Playing with DK Metcalf a ‘big reason why I’m in Pittsburgh’
Upon saying the 2025 season will likely be his last, Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers said on “The Pat McAfee Show” that a big reason he landed in Pittsburgh was playing with wide receiver DK Metcalf.
Niners TE George Kittle plans to play in NFL until ‘I don’t have fun anymore’
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, is set to enter his ninth season in the NFL, recently said that he plans to play in the NFL until “I don’t have fun anymore.”