Broncos looking to boost run defense with recent adds

Through free agency, trades and the draft, the Broncos’ run defense should be much better next season.

Good morning, Broncos Country!

A commitment to fortify the run defense came more into focus over the weekend as the Broncos traded for John Franklin-Myers from the Jets and added edge rusher Jonah Elliss from Utah.

Pairing those new additions with run-stuffing specialist Malcolm Roach and veteran Angelo Blackson acquired in free agency – to join current starters D.J. Jones and Zach Allen – is going to go a long way in making Broncos’ run defense tougher.

“We wanted to be better against the run,” GM George Paton said following the second day of the draft and hours after news of the JFM deal. “We went and got Roach. Then we signed Blackson, obviously another big run stuffer, then made the trade for ‘JFM.’”

The Broncos’ run defense gave up 2,331 yards rushing in 2023. In nine games, they gave up over 100 yards rushing; five of those were over 150 and two over 200 one of those being 350 yards to Miami. On average, Denver allowed 137.1 rushing yards per game, 5 yards per carry and 15 rushing touchdowns.

Clearly improvement was needed.

“So they’re not only good against the run, they can push the pocket,” Paton added. “All these guys play really hard, and they have great football character, so obviously that helps with the front.”

Pushing the pocket will also be necessary as the Broncos were among the worst teams for successful blitzing last season. They are counting on Elliss to help remedy that.

Elliss, whose father and brother are all NFL pedigree, will be depth at the position for now, but Payton and Paton didn’t think they could pass up such an opportunity for a potential impact player down the road.

“You’re never afraid to draft at the top on your strength,” Payton said. “…We felt like he definitely checked the pressure player box, and then we’ll sort through that depth as we get to it.”

Franklin-Myers is known for his motor and that was a big reason for bringing him to Denver.

“He can play all down the line of scrimmage. The one thing that sticks out on tape is the relentless motor this guy plays with,” Paton added. “We are excited to get him. …He is going to help our defensive line.”

JFM called the switch to a new team “surreal” and a great opportunity to show his physicality.

“I am someone who is never going to stop,” he said. “I am about winning and helping the team win and doing everything I can for my teammates.”

And mention of having new teammates in Zach Allen and D.J. Jones got JFM excited.

“Oh man, it means the world to me,” he said. “What an opportunity to play with them to just help. It’s great to come to a place where I‘m wanted and can help bring this team back. I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to give it everything I have.”

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