Broncos 2023 Player Grades Illuminate Big Defensive Roster Holes
While there were high expectations for the Denver Broncos defense, the unit started the 2023 season historically bad. The Broncos then flipped and had a historical run when it came to takeaways, leading to a five-game win streak and putting the team in the thick of the playoff hunt.
The Broncos defense would go on to falter over the final seven games, and the offense couldn't do enough to overcome it. While the defense wasn't back to being historically bad, it wasn't getting takeaways and would break in critical moments.
When evaluating the Broncos' defense for the season, one position was clearly weak all year. On an individual level, it's easy to identify which players the Broncos should look at upgrading this offseason.
Earlier this week, I revealed the individual player grades for the Broncos' offense. Today, it's the defense.
On top of the grades for the season, I'll also look at how the Broncos should approach each player on defense this offseason.
Interior Defensive Line
Edge Rushers
Off-Ball Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
Justin Simmons | Grade: 65.3 | Verdict: Trade or Extend to Lower Cap Hit
Simmons is a fan favorite, but the Broncos need to do something about his cap hit. The Broncos have two options: trade Simmons or extend him and lower the cap hit.
Ideally, the Broncos get an extension done and lower the salary cap hit, as losing Simmons would be a significant blow to the defense, and they don't have someone waiting in the wings to replace him.
Delarrin Turner-Yell | Grade: 25.7 | Verdict: Keep, Develop but Upgrade
It was a brutal second year for Turner-Yell. However, he's cheap and young. Maybe you can get him to develop, but if not, he's easy to move on from.
P.J. Locke | Grade: 62.4 | Verdict: Re-Sign to Start
Locke was an excellent surprise when he got thrust into a starting job. He's a free agent, and if Denver can re-sign him, it should. No matter what happens with Simmons, Locke should be a favorite to be a starter at one of the safety positions.
J.L. Skinner | Grade: DNQ | Verdict: Keep & Develop
Skinner played one snap on defense all season long, and it came in the season finale. As a rookie, it isn't surprising he didn't play, but hopefully, he showed development as the season went on. He is young and cheap, so see what he has to offer and if you can get more growth out of him.
Caden Sterns | Grade: DNQ Injury | Verdict: Keep, Develop & Hope for Health
Sterns got hurt after two snaps and missed the rest of the season. He's in a position to be a starter but should not be handed the job. After two season-ending injuries, Denver can't bet on him staying healthy and must have a competition for the starting job.
It will be challenging for the Broncos to upgrade all the areas of need, especially with the salary cap situation the team is in. The offseason will be interesting, even if the Broncos are quiet in free agency.
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