The Denver Broncos have two voids they’ll have to fill defensively this upcoming season with the departures of Josey Jewell and Justin Simmons. Which players on defense at certain position groups could emerge as dynamic duos this year?

Denver Broncos potential defensive duos in 2024

The Broncos defense has a youth movement going on with a healthy combination of some veterans and young players getting involved in the mix during OTAs. Which players could emerge off the edge?

Jonathon Cooper and Baron Browning

Jonathon Cooper and Baron Browning are both expected to be the Denver Broncos starters off the edge. Cooper led the Broncos in sacks last year with 8.5, and he came into his own with his relentless motor and pursuit of the football. Not only did he lead the team in sacks, but Cooper also accumulated 22 pressures and eight tackles for a loss behind the line of scrimmage.

Browning returned midway through last season and tabbed 4.5 sacks in just 10 games. He’s fully healthy this offseason, heading into training camp in what will be a contract year for Cooper and him at the position. Projection-wise, Browning has a chance to emerge as a potential star pass rusher if he can see a full slate of games this year. In 2023, he had ten pressures in ten games. Browning’s combination of size and athleticism was on display during OTAs, where Sean Payton acknowledged how much he’s stood out on the field and off the field as a leader. He and Cooper should be the Broncos first line of the pass rush department.

Nik Bonitto and Jonah Elliss

Yes, we’re going with four edge rushers here. While Cooper and Browning will be the projected starters this season, Denver’s likely to rotate all four of their pass rushers quite a bit this season. Last year, Nik Bonitto broke out in a big way in a rotational role and was second behind Cooper in sacks with eight. Not only did he come up with some big sacks during the season, but he constantly pressured the quarterback, leading the team with 24 pressures and 20 QB hits. Even if he’s not projected to start this season, he’s too good of an impact player not to be on the field, which is why defensive coordinator Vance Joseph will more than likely deploy a steady rotation between their top four rushers.

Rookie Jonah Elliss is in a prime position to make an impact in a rotational role. His football IQ is evident when you watch him practice and play at the position. He never gets too far upfield in his rush and plays the edge with discipline and patience. Once the pads come on and we see him play in the preseason, Broncos fans will see this from him. He may emerge and surprise people with his pass rush moves, but I can see a scenario where he becomes Denver’s clean-up guy on third-down passing situations.

Alex Singleton and Jonas Griffith

It’s hard to replace a veteran player like Josey Jewell, but Jonas Griffith has starting experience playing alongside Alex Singleton. Singleton will wear the green dot for the Broncos defense this upcoming season and will continue to play with his hair on fire. Griffith is the one who I believe will win the starting ILB job next to him this upcoming season. After making a full recovery after tearing his ACL last year in training camp, Griffith’s athleticism hasn’t disappeared. He ditched the knee brace early on during OTAs and seemed to play freely with confidence. His 6-foot-4 size, combined with his athleticism, make him an intriguing player to watch for, and there’s a great chance Singleton and Griffith could do some damage this upcoming season if he wins the starting job.

P.J. Locke and Brandon Jones

There is no replacement for Justin Simmons and his overall impact, and that’s a tough dynamic the Denver Broncos will have to find a way to overcome this upcoming season. However, the Broncos have three safeties that can make plenty of plays on the football this upcoming season, led by P.J. Locke and off-season acquisition Brandon Jones. Locke emerged in a big way in the secondary last season, becoming the first Bronco in team history to record a sack in three straight games. Locke looked extremely comfortable leading the way at safety during the team’s offseason program and his continued ascension in the league is worth following. Jones is more than likely going to be the other projected starter at safety, considering the deal he signed in NFL free agency. He’s aggressive and can play in the middle of the field or in the box, and it appeared as if he picked up the defensive scheme relatively quickly. Caden Sterns is another name to watch for as he’s set to make his return at training camp after suffering a torn patella tendon in Week 1 last year. His rehab has gone well, and he was spotted on the team’s sidefield during OTAs, working his way back.