Broncos 2019 positional grades: Defensive line

The Broncos ranked 16th in the league against the run and received 20.5 sacks from the defensive line in 2019. How do their d-linemen grade?

Shelby Harris

(Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Stats

Tackles: 49

Sacks: 6

Tackles for loss: 9

Forced fumbles: 1

Harris was fabulous for the Broncos in 2019 and was the team’s best and most consistent defensive lineman. In a contract year, the big guy definitely made himself some money.

In addition to the stats listed above, Harris developed a knack for batting the ball down at the line of scrimmage, knocking down nine passes on the season. The only players on the roster with more pass deflections were Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, a couple of defensive backs who are expected to get their hands on the ball.

Of course, none of Harris’ knockdowns were better than his last one, which earned the No. 1 spot on our top moments of the year countdown.

Grade: A-

Adam Gotsis

(Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

Stats

Tackles: 16

Sacks: 0

Tackles for loss: 1.5

Gotsis appeared in just nine games for the team this past season and his low output in terms of statistics is reflective of that.

However, without Gotsis, who will be a free agent, the team was able to put some other players such as Mike Purcell on the field.

Clearly, Gotsis seemed to fall out of favor with the team’s coaching staff and it’s highly likely that the former second-round pick will be looking for a new place to play next season.

Grade: D