Tag: Defensive Line

Report: Broncos won’t deal D.J. Jones ahead of NFL trade deadline

The Broncos will not part with defensive lineman D.J. Jones at the NFL trade deadline.

The Denver Broncos won’t be sellers at the NFL trade deadline.

NFL teams have expressed interest in Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones, but the team “isn’t moving” him, according to a report from The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini.

Jones (6-0, 305 pounds) signed a three-year, $30 million deal with Denver in 2022. Over the last two and a half seasons, Jones has totaled 97 tackles (nine behind the line of scrimmage), six pass breakups, four sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 39 games, all of them starts.

Jones, 29, is set to earn $10 million this season before becoming a free agent in 2025. He is part of a Broncos’ defensive line that now also features Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers. Denver has a formidable front three and the team has no plans of breaking it up.

The Broncos were also expected to receive interest in pass rusher Jonathon Cooper, but Denver’s not expected to trade him, either. Russini expects the team to stand pat at the NFL trade deadline (Tuesday, Nov. 5).

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Jordan Jackson is an underdog story with the Broncos

“His story is a great one relative to making this team,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of defensive lineman Jordan Jackson.

After playing college football for the Air Force Falcons, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2022.

He spent his rookie season on the Saints’ practice squad and then signed with the Denver Broncos in 2023. After that, Jackson spent his second season in the NFL on Denver’s practice squad.

This summer, Jackson was considered a practice squad candidate once again, but he beat the odds and ended up on the team’s 53-man roster after impressing during preseason.

“I would say the thing that stood out the most is his ability to get on an edge,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said when asked about Jackson earlier this week. “He’s tough to block, he’s disciplined and I think his story is a great one relative to making this team. He did it during training camp. When we talk about, ‘We’re keeping the best players regardless of once they’ve gotten here, how they’ve gotten here,’ that’s of no importance to us. He’s a good example of that.”

Jackson, 26, has dressed for all eight games this season as a rotational defensive lineman. He has totaled nine tackles on 164 defensive snaps. Jackson was an underdog this summer and he’s carried that mentality into the season and he continues to beat the odds in Denver.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos share adorable pregame video of John Franklin-Myers’ son

The Broncos need to make more of these videos!

Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers was a huge addition to the team when he was acquired via trade during the 2024 NFL draft. And he’s not the only one having fun on game days.

Prior to the Broncos’ 28-14 win over the Carolina Panthers, the Denver social media team followed the steps of Franklin-Myers’ son, Kyler, who was mic’d up.

“I’m Kyler Franklin-Myers, and I like playing football,” the video begins. Kyler and his mother go to various booths at the tailgates that occur outside of Empower Field at Mile High. The first booth the Franklin-Myers’ family visits is the face painting, where Kyler gets “Aztec Broncos” on his face.

After face-painting, Kyler and his family go to the field, where Kyler enthusiastically greets his dad with a high five. Kyler starts stretching before talking to other players and passing a ball to himself. In the middle of tossing to himself, Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain playfully “intercepts” a pass, before giving the ball back to Kyler, who was not pleased with PS2.

Kyler finishes his pregame routine by throwing and handing out mini-footballs signed by his father. As he gives a football to a young boy, Kyler is asked, “Who’s it signed by?” “That’s my dad,” Kyler responds. “Is your dad a player? What’s his name?” “His name is John Franklin-Myers,” Kyler proudly responds.

You can watch the entire video below:

 

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Kareem Hunt injury update: Latest news on Chiefs RB’s status

Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt is dealing with a hip injury. Here are the latest updates.

Kareem Hunt was listed on the Kansas City Chiefs’ injury report this week but should be available for the defending Super Bowl champions’ matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, October 27.

Kareem Hunt injury update

Hunt was listed with a hip injury that limited his participation in practice on Wednesday. However, Hunt recovered enough over the course of the week to be a full participant in Kansas City’s workouts on Thursday and Friday.

How long will Kareem Hunt be out?

Hunt isn’t expected to miss time due to his injury and should be available for the Chiefs’ Week 8 matchup against the Raiders on Sunday.

Chiefs RB depth chart

Assuming Hunt plays against Las Vegas in Week 8, Kansas City’s backfield will feature veterans Samaje Perine and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, as well as rookie rusher Carson Steele.

Expect one of Hunt’s backups to be listed as inactive when the Chiefs face the Raiders this weekend.

Mike Danna injury update: Latest news on Chiefs DE’s status

#Chiefs DL Mike Danna is dealing with a pectoral injury. Here are the latest updates.

After missing Week 7 due to a pectoral injury, starting defensive end Mike Danna will be out again in Week 8 when the Kansas City Chiefs face the Las Vegas Raiders, according to the team’s official injury report.

Mike Danna injury update

Danna has been listed as having a pectoral issue on the Chiefs’ injury reports since the team’s bye in Week 6. The injury has kept him from practicing while he takes time to heal. With an official status of OUT, he will miss his second consecutive game this week.

How long will Mike Danna be out?

The franchise has not indicated what Danna’s timeline for return might look like, but the defensive end will have to sit out Kansas City’s Week 8 matchup against Las Vegas.

Chiefs DE depth chart

With Danna out for another week, the Chiefs will need defensive ends Felix Anudike-Uzomah and George Karlaftis to do some heavy lifting for the defense when they face the Raiders. Kansas City is still missing B.J. Thompson and Charles Omenihu, both on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list.

Sean Payton compares Broncos DL Zach Allen to an 8-time Pro Bowler

Broncos coach Sean Payton said Zach Allen’s stamina reminds him of Cameron Jordan. “Those are really good traits,” Payton said.

Denver Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen is well on his way to the first Pro Bowl (and All-Pro) honors of his career.

Through seven games, Allen has recorded 32 tackles (nine behind the line), 16 quarterback hits, four sacks and one safety.

Super Bowl 50 champion Chris Harris has compared Allen to J.J. Watt, and Watt himself listed Allen among his five defensive line All-Pro candidates this season.

Allen has received praise from many pundits, including NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger. This week, Broncos coach Sean Payton compared Allen’s stamina to that of eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro Cameron Jordan.

“I don’t want to use the comparison, he plays a different position than Cameron Jordan, but they remind me of each other in their respective positions in that they play with really good stamina,” Payton said. “It’s hard to do. It’s like you’re wrestling. When Play 48 is the same as Play 3, just the consistency in a position where we do have a rotation, it’s important because every play is like a six-second wrestling match.

“It’s tiring. There’s discipline, and then there’s a skill set. Those are traits that remind me of Cam. Cam played more the end [position], but those are really good traits.”

Allen’s six sacks rank second at his position. He has also totaled 24 hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. The NFL’s Next Gen Stats page credits Allen with 35 pressures, most among interior defensive linemen.

Allen’s breakout year is a big reason why Denver’s defense has been so dominant this season, and he deserves all the accolades coming his way.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Everyone loved Malcolm Roach dropping into coverage on ‘TNF’

“I always like to talk trash with the DBs and tell them I’m a real DB at heart,” Malcolm Roach said after the Broncos’ win on ‘TNF.’

In the third quarter of a Thursday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph called a play that had defensive tackle Malcolm Roach drop back into coverage.

Hilariously, it worked.

“Malcolm Roach nearly had an INT in coverage 15 yards down the field LOL,” Zac Stevens of DNVR wrote on social media.

Ryan McFadden of the Denver Post said the play “might be the highlight of the night.”

“I can’t stop laughing at VJ truly going [expletive] it mode and throwing Malcolm Roach into coverage and it worked,” a fan said on Twitter/X. “He really became a defensive madman after the Dolphins massacre.”

Check it out:

https://twitter.com/BrandonPerna/status/1847142168797794521

Everyone had similar reactions: “Malcolm Roach in coverage😭.”

Another fan wrote: “MALCOLM ROACH FOR PREZ.”

Everyone loved his celebration:

https://twitter.com/LTB_Muse/status/1847108027112927300

Even the Broncos’ official account chimed in with a meme:

“Malcolm Roach cele has me cryin,” one fan wrote. Added another fan: “Bro pulled the strap 😭.”

It looked like a play straight out of a video game.

“Me when I play madden and college football 25 🤣,” a fan commented. “gotten so many picks with linemen.”

Roach was asked about his celebration after the game.

“Yeah, it’s a little joke,” Roach explained. “We’ve been — I always like to talk trash with the DBs and tell them I’m a real DB at heart. So when I got the opportunity and made the play with the PBU, you know I just had to give them something. And I was over there by the sideline.”

https://twitter.com/Scotty_G6/status/1847133902659285140

Roach was officially credited with a pass breakup, giving him this stat line in a 33-10 victory: one tackle, one PBU. That’ll do.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Chiefs DT Chris Jones is focused on wins over individual stats: ‘I’m not really a numbers guy’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is focused on wins over individual stats: ‘I’m not really a numbers guy’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive line continues to play well to start the season, dominating individual matchups. The group is led on the field by Chris Jones, an All-Pro who is making an impact beyond the stats.

Jones spoke to reporters on Thursday about the emphasis on stats for defensive linemen.

“I think it all varies. The kind of guy like Quinnen Williams (Jets Defensive Lineman), he doesn’t have the stats, but the impact that he has on that defensive line, that defense as a whole, doesn’t compare to what he’s doing in the game, throughout the game, taking on the double team so somebody else can get open,” said Jones. “So, when you take that into account, I don’t think as a defensive lineman, it’s hard to be appreciated as much unless you got 10 and 15 sacks, and unless you got the numbers. But it doesn’t take away from what he’s contributing to their team and their defense success.”

Jones has three sacks through five games this season but focuses on the bigger picture of winning games.

“I think this is overall,” said Jones. “I mean, when you look at a lot of guys who don’t have the numbers but have such an outstanding year, the numbers don’t match up. It’s one of those games, man, and it’s okay not to have the numbers,” said Jones. “You can’t pay attention to numbers. Team success is the best success. You know what I mean? So, I’m not really a numbers guy. I don’t really care. “

Jones had fun with the media attendance, going back and forth about whether his numbers mattered, but he did get his point across about valuing winning over everything.

Wisconsin class of 2025 defensive lineman reacts to Badgers big win over Rutgers

Wisconsin class of 2025 defensive lineman reacts to Badgers big win over Rutgers

Wisconsin class of 2025 defensive line commit Wilnerson Telemaque chimed in on social media following UW’s big 42-7 win over Rutgers on Saturday.

Telemaque, who offered his pledge to Wisconsin’s program back in June, shared a photo of Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell during his days at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio.

It’s safe to say the 6-foot-6 prospect was pleased with what Wisconsin did on both sides of the ball in New Jersey. UW totaled over 500 yards of offense and held Rutgers to just one score — which arrived early in the fourth quarter off a 13-yard rush.

Wisconsin’s defensive unit recorded five pass deflections, one interception and two tackles for loss on the day. Despite not recording a sack, the Badgers contained Rutgers to just 271 total yards of offense, including a meager 103 yards through the air.

Telemaque is poised to join that unit next fall. The three-star defensive lineman chose the Badgers over other finalists Georgia Tech and West Virginia and is 247Sports’ No. 804 player in the class of 2025, No. 92  defensive lineman and No. 106 recruit from his home state of Florida.

He, alongside four-star defensive end Nicolas Clayton and three-star defensive end Torin Pettaway, are the sole defensive linemen to commit to UW’s program for the class of 2025. Wisconsin’s defensive tackle room is currently headlined by Curt Neal, Elijah Hills and Ben Barton.

Broncos DL Zach Allen is making an All-Pro impact this season

Broncos DL Zach Allen ranks No. 1 in pass rush win rate (26%) this season and No. 3 in quarterback pressures (27). Stud.

Denver Broncos defensive tackle Zach Allen has absolutely dominated this season.

Five games into the 2024 campaign, Allen has totaled 21 tackles (five behind the line of scrimmage), 12 quarterback hits and three sacks. Those numbers alone are impressive, but the advanced stats are even better.

Allen has a 26% pass rush win rate this season, according to Seth Walder of ESPN Analytics. No other defenders are higher than 20% this season.

Allen has totaled 27 quarterback pressures through five games, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That ranks first among interior defensive linemen and third overall this season, via Broncos stats guru Tyler Gorse.

Allen’s defensive impact plays over expected (DIPOE) rating on Pro Football Focus is 15.01, second-best in the league through five games.

Here are some of the highlights from Allen’s first five games this fall:

https://twitter.com/CoachBTJordan/status/1843720283569668458

“[U]p front, we [are] really confident in our four-man rush and we take a lot of pride in that,” Allen said after the team’s 10-9 win over the Jets two weeks ago. “I think today was just another day we kind of proved that if you give guys one-on-ones [we’ll] win them across the board. So, it’s a lot of fun to play with this group and hopefully we can just keep on rushing the way we are and keep playing the team defense we are.”

https://twitter.com/billbarnwell/status/1844481872849772733

Allen, 27, is on pace to have the best season of his career and he’s likely a lock to make the Pro Bowl and a strong candidate to earn an All-Pro nod. Denver’s defensive dominance has been keyed in part by Allen’s big year.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]