A Defensive Minded Head Coach Looking To Make An Impact, In Year One In The Mile High City.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this article taking a look at the Denver Broncos. I will be identifying players that I would consider adding ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire these players.
Derek Wolfe, Defensive End:
Derek Wolfe, 29, started all 16 games, last season, for the first time since 2014. He had a nice season, recording 31 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, and one and half sacks. Wolfe has totaled at least 26 solo tackles in four of the last five seasons, with his high of 38 coming in 2016. I expect Derek to remain a starter for the Broncos defense going into next season.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Playing on a defense with Von Miller should allow Wolfe to remain productive. Wolfe should be available on your wavier wire, but if not, he shouldn’t cost more then a late round pick.
Honorable Mention: Adam Gotsis, Defensive End.
Todd Davis, Inside Linebacker:
Davis, 26, received a three year contract from the Broncos. In 2018 he showed why he was worthy of that. He was a 16 game starter for the first time in his five year NFL career. The Denver Broncos defense and IDP owners were finally rewarded with the best season of his career. He ended the season with 80 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and seven pass deflections. In IDP leagues, Davis finished just outside of the top 15 in total points, by a linebacker.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He is someone that people may have forgotten about and those are the guys that I look to target. His injury history makes him a great buy low. I’m offering a mid to a late early round pick for his services.
Honorable Mention: Josey Jewell, Inside Linebacker.
Kareem Jackson, Safety/Cornerback:
Earlier this month, the Denver Broncos signed Jackson, 30, to a three year contract. My guess is that he will play cornerback, for the recently departed Bradley Roby. Jackson finished last season with 70 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, 17 pass deflections, and one sack. He started 16 games for the Houston Texans last season.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Due to his age, injury history, and how much the AFC West throws the football, makes him a great buy low for next season. I would be happy giving up a mid round pick for Jackson as a starter or depth.
Honorable Mention: Will Parks, Safety
Conclusion
With Vic Fangio now running the show in Denver, I’m confident he will help turn around this unit in 2019. In order for that to happen, he will have to rely on his veteran players. I’m looking to get anyone on this defense, if the price is right. Ranking these buy low players in order of priority, it would be Todd Davis, Kareem Jackson, and Derek Wolfe. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Detroit Lions.