Two Broncos Free-Agent Targets to Unlock Vance Joseph's Defense
The Denver Broncos' 2022 defense started off like a drag racer, blasting out of the starting line and wreaking havoc on the opposition. But injuries and the Bradley Chubb trade sapped the juice out of the pass rush, as the Broncos' defense ran out of gas as it crossed the season's finish line.
Now, with the return of former head coach Vance Joseph as the newly-minted defensive coordinator, it's time to reload that side of the ball at critical positions with the aspirational goal of debilitating the Kansas City Chiefs' potent offense.
To reduce unnecessary roster churn, GMGeorge Paton should find a path to sign disruptive defensive end Dre'Mont Jones to a long-term deal without breaking the bank. Another task on Paton's list is to lock down last year's surprise defensive impact player: inside linebacker Alex Singelton.
Singleton led the team in tackles with a whopping 163. Along with veteran Josey Jewell, the pair brings toughness, situational awareness, and leadership to the defense.
The Broncos' draft bank account is low on funds due to the Russell Wilson and Sean Payton trades in successive years. The top priority is bolstering the rickety offensive line, likely leaving the defensive needs addressed through free agency.
Joseph runs an attack-oriented 3-4 defensive scheme. He must resurrect the Broncos' pass rush to execute the attack mindset. Last season, free-agent outside linebacker Randy Gregory joined the Broncos and made an impact when he was on the field. Unfortunately, nagging injuries restricted his playing time.
While Gregory's counterpart Baron Browning showed promise, injuries and inconsistent play hampered his ability to compete consistently at a high level. Rookie Nik Bonitto was able to get on the field due to injuries to the starters, but his lack of size and strength was evident in pass-rush situations.
Bonitto appeared unprepared for the physicality of NFL offensive linemen. Hopefully, he recognizes his deficiencies and invests significant time in the offseason to get his body ready for elevated competitors. The defense needs to solve its pass-rush dilemma.
But who should Denver target in free agency that would not only fit the roster needs, but also Joseph's style of defense? Here are two.
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo | OLB | Houston Texans
The 27-year-old defensive end is the perfect medicine to cure Denver's lethargic sack performance. Last season, the 6-foot-2, 253-pound Okoronkwo was a hidden gem for the Texans, racking up 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 73 tackles.
Okoronkwo was a difference-maker each time his cleats hit the field. He earned a Pro Football Focus pass rush grade of 81.9 people. The veteran defender would add physicality and enhance Joseph's defense ability to collapse the pocket.
Vonn Bell | S | Cincinnati Bengals
The Broncos need a viable option to challenge 35-year-old Kareem Jackson for the starting strong safety. So let's give Jackson his hard-earned flowers for his consistent level of play.
Paired with All-Pro safety Justin Simmons, they are an efficient combo. Unfortunately, wide receivers coming into the league are only getting faster, and a mistake made by a safety in single coverage can be fatal.
Adding Bell to the roster would bolster the Broncos' ability to play man coverage and allow Joseph to turn up the blitz package without the fear of getting beat deep. Bell snatched four interceptions, and PFF graded his pass coverage at 65.5.
Hopefully, Joseph has learned a lesson through his tenure as Denver's head coach. It's not always best to be a good soldier and blindly follow orders without forcefully raising a concern.
On the other hand, Broncos Country will hold Joseph accountable for the defense's performance. He should pound the table for the level of talent required to add juice to his defense.
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