The defensive line for the Denver Broncos did not stand out in 2019, but the group as a collective unit certainly held its own.

The Broncos ranked 16th in the league against the run. The defensive line also accounted for 20.5 sacks for the Broncos, a group that could be even better in Year 2 under Vic Fangio.

Much of that will depend on how much of the unit the team can keep intact as three of the team’s top players are set to become unrestricted free agents.

That will be a topic in the weeks ahead but right now, let’s look back at the performance of these players this past season.

Note: Deyon Sizer, Jonathan Harris and Kyle Peko were not included due to minimal stats and games played. 

Derek Wolfe

Stats

Tackles: 34

Sacks: 7

Tackles for loss: 8

Forced fumbles: 1

Wolfe played quite well and posted nice numbers in 2019, including a career-high seven sacks. Those numbers might have been even better if he was able to finish out the season.

A dislocated elbow in Week 13 shut Wolfe down for the year and potentially, for his Broncos career, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

In eight years with the team, Wolfe has played a full 16-game season just three times. Still, most fans would likely prefer he returns.

Wolfe’s big sack numbers help his grade out, despite only playing in 12 games.

Grade: B