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Broncos depth chart analysis: Breaking down the edge position

Nicholas Manning
Von Miller and Bradley Chubb celebrate in 2018. Credit: Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports.

Von Miller and Bradley Chubb celebrate in 2018. Credit: Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports.

The Denver Broncos will bost one of the best edge groups in the NFL entering the 2021 season. For the first time, Vic Fangio will get a chance to have two healthy, elite players together for the first time since taking over as head coach in 2019.

When on the field together, the duo has been dynamic. Over 20 games played together, the pair has produced 29.5 sacks.

injuries have been a significant issue for Miller and Chubb. Chubb missing almost all of 2019 and Miller losing the entire 2020.

With injuries come opportunities.

The emergence of Malik Reed came in the wake of Von Miller’s season-ending 2020 ankle injury. The team’s faith in Reed was visible from the beginning of the season as the team stayed away from big-name free agents such as Clay Matthews or Terrell Suggs.

Additionally, the team has added late-round selections to boost their depth. The growth of Derek Tuszka, Jonathon Cooper, Natrez Patrick, and Andre Mintze will be something to watch as training camp unfolds.

If the edge group stays healthy it has a chance to be special. Here is a breakdown of the Broncos depth chart at edge heading into the 2021 season.

The Broncos’ Dynamic Duo

Super Bowl MVP Von Miller and 2020 Pro Bowler Bradley Chubb are set to start atop the edge depth chart.

Last season, Miller came into camp on a mission. He had dominated throughout camp and was primed for a career season. Unfortunately, he injured his ankle in a freak accident before the season.

Before the NFL calendar year, many wondered if Von Miller would have his option picked up by new general manager George Paton. Paton called Miller and asked him if he wanted to be a part of the team, or whether a change of scenery would be best.

Miller told Paton he wanted to be a Bronco, which is music to the ears of Broncos Country.

Being out of the 2020 season, many seem to forget how good Miller’s play has been. His ability to create pressure off of the edge is phenomenal.

Here, Miller uses his speed and terrific hand placement to cause instant pressure off of the edge.

He is not just a one-trick pony. Miller can utilize a heavy of moves, both from power and speed. Most edge players age well. The perfection as a technician along with savvy tricks picked up along the way covers up for diminished physical traits. Barring injury, Miller should regain his place among the league’s elite.

in 2020 Chubb started the season slowly. However, as he regained his form, his play took off. As a result, Chubb stood out all season as a consistent force.

Chubb turned up his play following the Broncos’ first win of the season against the New York Jets. Chubb continued to be a consistent force for this team as the season continued.

Chubb’s ability to use power and leverage is tremendous. He holds the edge against the league’s best tackles. His continued development with Miller’s return to dominance will be a welcomed sight for the Broncos this season.

Broncos’ Reed is a perfect 3rd wheel

Former Nevada product Malik Reed showed that he can be a quality player in the NFL. Reed, thrust into a starting position produced solid numbers.

Reed used great hand technique with a non-stop motor to create pressure in key situations throughout the season.

Against the Miami Dolphins, Reed was phenomenal. He caused consistent pressure and held up stout against the run. Assuming he continues to develop, Reed should take up some of Miller’s and Chubb’s snap count this season. Normally, Miller and Chubb off of the field was a cause for concern. However, Reed has shown there should be a little drop-off in play when he’s on the field.

Broncos finding depth on the edge in the 7th-Round

Derek Tuszka, a 2020 7th-round selection did not see the field much last season. However, he has a strong skill set that can transfer to the NFL. His quickness and fluidity are exciting traits.

Tuszka was called up to the active roster several times from the team’s practice squad last season. Look for him to try and push for more playing time.

Jonathon Cooper, like Tuszka, is a 7th-round selection. However, Cooper plays with more power.

A former standout at Ohio State, Cooper comes with a solid resume and is expected to push Tuszka for the 4th edge position. Additionally, Cooper will be counted on to play on special teams.

Cooper will miss OTAs and mini-camp as he recovers from a heart procedure. The belief is that Cooper will be ready for the start of the training camp. If Cooper can pick up the defense quickly, he should be ready to contribute on the field in rotation in 2021 and consistently in 2022.

Diamonds in the rough

Finally, the Broncos have two potential diamonds in the rough. First, Natrez Patrick. Patrick bounced around the league before being claimed off of waivers by the Broncos.

Andre Mintze, an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt is looking to be the Broncos’ next “Malik Reed” or “Shaq Barrett”. Mintze has a nice blend skillset and showed he can be a playmaker. He was a very underappreciated player in the SEC but should catch some eyes of Fangio and the defensive staff.

He will get a chance to earn a practice squad spot while he hones his craft. Look for Mintze to continue to impress in camp. Word out of the rookie mini-camp is that Mintze is already has impressed the coaches.

Conclusion

The Broncos have a solid 1-2-3 punch with Miller-Chubb-Reed. However, health will determine the team’s success this season. Losing Chubb or Miller will truly hinder the team’s effectiveness off the edge. Reed is a perfect rotational rusher but should remain in that role for the team to be its best.

If the group remains intact, look for constant pressure applied by the edge all season long. With the makings of a phenomenal secondary, the edge group should get plenty of chances to put up some solid numbers this season.

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