Tag: Defensive Line

Broncos roster series: No. 98, DE John Franklin-Myers

After totaling 61 QB hits and 17.5 sacks in four years with the Jets, DE John Franklin-Myers joined the Broncos this spring.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at seventh-year defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, No. 98.

Before the Broncos: Franklin-Myers (6-4, 288 pounds) entered the league as a fourth-round pick out of Stephen F. Austin State University with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018. He dressed for all 16 games as a rookie and totaled two sacks, but the Rams moved on ahead of the 2019 season.

The New York Jets then claimed JFM off waivers in 2019 and he went on to play four seasons in New York. JFM totaled 125 tackles, 61 quarterback hits, 17.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble in 65 games (52 starts) with the Jets.

Broncos tenure: Denver traded a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to New York in exchange for Franklin-Myers this spring.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. After trading for him and acquiring a $5 million cap hit, the Broncos aren’t going to cut JFM this year. He seems poised to start at defensive end across from Zach Allen in 2024.

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Broncos roster series: No. 97, DL Malcolm Roach

After posting the best run-stop percentage (17.4%) in the NFL last year (per PFF), Malcolm Roach signed with the Broncos.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at fifth-year defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, No. 97.

Before the Broncos: Roach (6-3, 290 pounds) entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Texas with the New Orleans Saints in 2020. He dressed for nine games as a rookie, totaling 16 tackles. Roach was healthy for seven games in his second season and he recorded his first career interception that year.

Over the last two seasons, Roach played in 25 games with the Saints, totaling 64 tackles, three quarterback hits, three pass breakups and one sack.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Roach to a two-year deal this spring. He should provide a boost to the defense after posting the best run-stop percentage (17.4%) in the NFL last year, according to PFF.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Near lock. It would be a big surprise if Roach does not end up on the active roster. He’s not a favorite to start, but Roach should be a key part of the defensive line rotation in 2024.

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Broncos roster series: No. 96, DL Eyioma Uwazurike (suspended)

Eyioma Uwazurike remains suspended, but if the NFL lifts his ban, Uwazurike could have a real chance to make the Broncos’ 53-man roster.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, No. 96.

Before the Broncos: Uwazurike (6-6, 320 pounds) played college football at Iowa State from 2016-2021, earning first-team All-Big 12 recognition in his final season. He totaled 144 tackles and 15 sacks in five years (60 games) with the Cyclones.

Broncos tenure: Denver picked Uwazurike in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He dressed for eight games as rookie, totaling 17 tackles, two quarterback hits and one pass breakup on 165 snaps.

Last summer, the NFL suspended Uwazurike indefinitely for gambling, including placing wagers on Broncos games. Criminal charges in Iowa have since been dropped and the Arapahoe County DA will not file charges against him. That seemingly clears the way for Uwazurike to have his suspension lifted, but the NFL has not made a decision as of the time of publication.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Uncertain. For now, Uwazurike remains on the club’s reserve/suspended by the commissioner list. If the suspension is lifted, Uwazurike would have a decent chance to make the team this summer. The fact that the Broncos have not released him thus far suggests Uwazurike could have a future in Denver post-suspension.

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Broncos roster series: No. 95, DL Elijah Garcia

After dressing for just three games last season, Broncos DL Elijah Garcia will aim to win a bigger role in 2024.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year* defensive lineman Elijah Garcia, No. 95.

Before the Broncos: Garcia (6-5, 302 pounds) played college football at Rice, earning first-team All-Conference USA recognition in 2021. Following a redshirt freshman season and an extra year of eligibility gained from COVID-19, Garcia spent six years with the Owls. In his final season, Garcia totaled 67 tackles, 33 pressures, nine quarterback hits and five sacks.

After going undrafted in 2022, Garcia signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a college free agent. He began his rookie season on L.A.’s practice squad.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Garcia off the Rams’ practice squad in December of his first season. He played in two games to close out the year, recording one tackle. Garcia made the active roster in 2023 but was only active for three games, totaling four tackles and one sack on 31 snaps.

*Though he has been in the NFL since 2022, Garcia is listed as a “second-year player” because he only has one accrued season (which is at least six games on the active roster or reserve list in the same season).

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Toss up. Garcia’s chances of making the active roster might depend on the status of Eyioma Uwazurike. Garcia’s competition for a spot on the final 53 will include Matt Henningsen and Angelo Blackson.

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Broncos roster series: No. 94, DL Jordan Jackson

After spending last season on the practice squad, Broncos DL Jordan Jackson will aim to make some noise at training camp.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at first-year* defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, No. 94.

Before the Broncos: Jackson (6-4, 294 pounds) played college football for the Air Force Falcons. He totaled 29.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage during his time with the Falcons, tied for eighth-most in academy history. He earned second-team all-conference recognition two times with the Air Force before entering the NFL draft in 2022.

The New Orleans Saints picked Jackson in the sixth round of the draft in 2022 and he spent his rookie season on their practice squad.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Jackson in 2023 and he spent the entire season on the team’s practice squad. He is yet to appear in a regular season game in the NFL.

*Though he has been in the league since 2022, the NFL lists Jackson as a “first-year player” because he does not have an “accrued season,” which is at least six games on the active roster or reserve in the same season.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Long shot. Jackson is competing in a crowded defensive line room. His best chance to stick around in 2024 will likely be on the practice squad.

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Wisconsin DC Mike Tressel highlights two potential breakout players on Badgers defensive line

Wisconsin DC Mike Tressel highlights two potential breakout players on Badgers defensive line

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel met with the assembled media on Monday before the Badgers hit the road to begin 2024 training camp at UW-Platteville.

One big topic of conversation was the team’s defensive line, arguably its biggest weakness entering the 2024 season.

Related: Position battles to follow as Wisconsin Badgers begin 2024 fall training camp

Tressel highlighted two players who may correct that statement, players who have taken significant steps forward this offseason: redshirt senior James Thompson Jr. and redshirt sophomore Curt Neal.

Thompson Jr. projects to lead the room after recording 29 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks in 2023. Neal, meanwhile, should take advantage of available snaps after tallying only 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss as a redshirt freshman a season ago.

The two players project to lead a room that added two transfers this offseason in Elijah Hills (Albany) and Brandon Lane (Stephen F. Austin). They both enter with plenty of experience at the FCS level, but each need to prove it in the Big Ten.

Thompson Jr., Neal, Lane and Hills are likely to be the top four in a rotation that also includes redshirt seniors Ben Barten and Cade McDonald, redshirt freshman Jamel Howard and a host of talented incoming freshmen.

The position’s future in the next few years is certainly brighter than its status as a potential weakness entering 2024. But the possible emergence of the two players Tressel mentioned may change that ‘weakness’ status.

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2024 Preseason Previews

Big Ten Team Previews: Indiana Hoosiers — Purdue Boilermakers — Illinois Fighting Illini — Northwestern Wildcats — Minnesota Golden Gophers — Nebraska Cornhuskers — Iowa Hawkeyes — Rutgers Scarlet Knights — Maryland Terrapins — Michigan State Spartans — USC Trojans — UCLA Bruins — Washington Huskies — Michigan Wolverines — Penn State Nittany Lions — Ohio State Buckeyes — Oregon Ducks — Wisconsin Badgers

Big Ten Position Previews: Quarterbacks — Running Backs — Wide Receivers — Offensive Lines — Tight Ends — Defensive Line — Linebackers — Cornerbacks — Safeties

Wisconsin Position Previews: Quarterback — Running Back

Broncos roster series: No. 93, defensive lineman D.J. Jones

Entering his third year with the Broncos, defensive lineman D.J. Jones is poised to have a key role in Vance Joseph’s scheme this fall.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at eighth-year defensive lineman D.J. Jones, No. 93.

Before the Broncos: Jones (6-0, 305 pounds) entered the league as a sixth-round pick out of Ole Miss with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. After spending his first two seasons as a rotational defensive lineman, Jones emerged as a starter in 2019, a role he held for three years. In five total seasons with the 49ers, Jones recorded 126 tackles (23 behind the line), nine quarterback hits, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass breakups in 61 games (46 starts).

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Jones to a three-year, $30 million deal in 2022. He totaled 34 tackles, six pass breakups, four QB hits and two sacks in his first season with the Broncos. Last year, Jones recorded 46 tackles, four QB hits, three forced fumbles and two sacks.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. Barring an unexpected trade, Jones seems to be a lock to make Denver’s active roster. He is one of the best defensive linemen on the team and a key part of Vance Joseph’s rotation. Jones will look to have a strong 2024 campaign before becoming a 30-year-old free agent in 2025.

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Broncos roster series: No. 91, DL Matt Henningsen

Entering his third season with the Broncos, Matt Henningsen will look to win a bigger role after getting rotational snaps in 2022 and 2023.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at third-year defensive lineman Matt Henningsen, No. 91.

Before the Broncos: Henningsen (6-3, 291 pounds) played college football at Wisconsin, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2021. Following a redshirt freshman season, Henningsen spent five years with the Badgers, totaling 91 tackles (13 behind the line of scrimmage), eight sacks and three fumble recoveries (two returned for touchdowns). He played in 42 games with 29 starts during his time at Wisconsin.

Broncos tenure: Denver picked Henningsen in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He dressed for all 17 games as a rookie, totaling 21 tackles and one sack on 229 snaps. Henningsen was active for all 17 games again last fall and recorded 19 tackles on 224 snaps.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Likely. Assuming the Broncos will carry six defensive linemen on the active roster, Henningsen should be safe. Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach seem to be locks, leaving Henningsen and Angelo Blackson as the presumed favorites to fill out the defensive line depth chart.

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Broncos roster series: No. 90, DL Angelo Blackson

Entering his 10th season in the NFL, Angelo Blackson will compete for a rotational role on Denver’s defensive line this summer.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at tenth-year defensive lineman Angelo Blackson, No. 90.

Before the Broncos: Blackson (6-4, 318 pounds) entered the league as a fourth-round pick out of Auburn with the Tennessee Titans in 2015. After two years in Tennessee, Blackson went on to spend time with six other teams, including a two-year run with the Chicago Bears from 2021-2022.

In two seasons with the Bears, Blackson totaled 65 tackles, 10 quarterback hits, three pass breakups, 2.5 sacks and one interception in 32 games (12 starts). Last year, Blackson was a rotational lineman with the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording 13 tackles in 11 games.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Blackson in April to shore up their defensive line depth ahead of the NFL draft. He is now part of a defensive line depth chart that includes Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach. Blackson, 31, is tied with fullback Michael Burton as the most experienced player on the team’s roster (nine years).

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Decent. Allen, Jones, Franklin-Myers and Roach all seem to be locks to make the team. If the Broncos carry six defensive linemen, there should be room for both Blackson and Matt Henningsen on the active roster this fall.

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Broncos roster series: No. 70, DL Brandon Matterson

After a breakout season at UTSA last fall, Brandon Matterson signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent this spring.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie defensive lineman Brandon Matterson, No. 70.

Before the Broncos: Matterson (6-2, 295 pounds) spent six years at the University of Texas at San Antonio thanks to a redshirt season and an extra year of eligibility following COVID-19. In his final season, Matterson was named a third-team All-American Athletic Conference defensive lineman after totaling six tackles behind the line of scrimmage, five sacks, five quarterback hurries and a forced fumble in 12 games. Matterson finished his college career with 100 tackles, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 59 games.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Matterson as a college free agent following the 2024 NFL draft. He’s set to compete for a backup role this summer.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Long shot. It would be a big upset if Matterson makes the active roster in 2024. He is buried on the team’s defensive line depth chart going into training camp. Matterson is likely competing for a spot on the practice squad this summer.

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