The Denver Broncos have a pair of star outside linebackers in Von Miller and Bradley Chubb but as last season demonstrated, depth is crucial on defense.
After Chubb went down with a season-ending ACL injury early last year, the Broncos turned to street free agent Jeremiah Attaochu, who failed to make the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster in training camp last summer.
Attaochu made an immediate impact for Denver.
“When he came last year after we lost Bradley — he came in and did a good job quickly of learning what we’re doing,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said on Aug. 14. “By the end — last third of the season there he played a significant amount of snaps for us and was playing well. I think he had his best season that he’s had in a while in the NFL.”
Attaochu totaled 18 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2019 and he’s set to return this year as a rotational pass rusher. A former second-round draft pick, Attaochu has spent time with five different teams and has battled numerous injuries. When healthy, Attaochu has made an impact everywhere he’s been giving a chance, totaling 15.5 sacks in 61 games.
“I’ve noticed already that he’s picked up where he left off,” Fangio said. “I expect him to be a big part of the team moving forward at our outside linebacker position.
“We really like him. He’s the right kind of guy. He plays hard, plays tough, very prideful and a great teammate. We’re happy to have him.”
Attaochu and Malik Reed are two of the favorites to serve as the backups for Miller and Chubb this season.
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