The Denver Broncos have six starting-quality defensive linemen, but only three starting spots in their base 3-4 defense. (And, depending on who you ask, there might even be more than six defenders worthy of a starting role.)
With so much depth at the position, the Broncos will be able to keep players fresh by rotating defensive linemen frequently. Shelby Harris, Mike Purcell and Dre’Mont Jones are expected to start, but there will also be snaps for DeShawn Williams, Shamar Stephen and McTelvin Agim.
Jonathan Harris will also be competing for a role, as will three other defensive linemen.
“Yeah, we’d like to feel that way,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said on June 16 when asked if the team can have a true DL rotation this fall. “I think Shamar has been a good pick up. We [also] got Mike, Shelby. We think Mike and Shelby will be full go once we get back to camp. ‘Sosa’ has looked better and hopefully he’ll continue that.
“Dre’Mont, Jonathan Harris is back after a year on the shelf. DeShawn is back, and we’re looking for the other guys to show us something, to hopefully punch a ticket to join that group.”
Denver will face tough decisions at several positions when roster cuts begin later this summer, and the defensive line will be no exception. The six roster spots will be won in the coming weeks at training camp and during preseason.
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