After practice earlier this week, veteran center Lloyd Cushenberry had high praise for D.J. Jones and Dre’Mont Jones.
Although Cushenberry plays on the offensive side of the ball, he spotlighted who he’s been playing against in training camp.
When asked who has stood out to him most on the defensive line, Cushenberry said, “[DT] D.J. [Jones] first of all. It’s a load having to go against him every day.”
The Broncos signed the nose tackle to a three-year, $30 million contract in March. He spent his first five seasons in the NFL as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. Originally a sixth-round pick, Jones has thrived in his last three seasons. 2021 was his most productive season yet, finishing with two sacks, ten tackles for loss, and 40 solo tackles.
According to Cushenberry, what’s impressed him most about Jones is his get-off and his strength.
“He’s coming from San Francisco, and what they teach defensively is getting off the ball and disrupting the run game quickly,” the center said. “That’s the first thing that makes him special, then his strength. He has good leverage; he’s kind of short, so he can get up under you, and then he’s so strong, he’s hard to move. It all starts with his get-off. He just disrupts you as soon as you snap the ball.”
Cushenberry wasn’t done giving admiration to the defense. He also highlighted fellow Denver veteran Dre’Mont Jones.
“…Another guy [is DE] Dre’Mont [Jones]. I know that everyone has been talking about Dre’Mont Jones, but he is going to have a big year. His speed, his power—he has the total package.”
The defensive end is going into the final year of his rookie contract. The Broncos have been searching for a consistent player at that position for a few years, and Jones looks to be the man. The momentum continues to build towards Dre’Mont Jones, who has 12 sacks over the last two seasons and looks to have another big year in 2022.
If Cushenberry’s words are any indication, Broncos Country can have high expectations for what to expect from their defensive front line this season.
“They have a good group, and I’m looking forward to watching them play,” Denver’s center said of the defensive line as a unit. “I’m glad we get to go against them every day to keep sharpening the iron. They have a great group.”
Denver faces Minnesota in their final preseason game of the year before kicking off the regular season on Monday, Sept. 12 against the Seahawks in Seattle on Monday Night Football.
