Drew Sanders Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos defense poised for another strong season with addition of rookie LB

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 8/16/23

With most of the talk in Denver this offseason about how Broncos head coach Sean Payton will get the most out of quarterback Russell Wilson, the defense has largely been left out of the conversation.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph made sure at least one member of his promising unit received some of the spotlight by praising rookie linebacker Drew Sanders, suggesting he's only scratching the surface of what he's capable of in his first year.

Vance Joseph on rookie ILB Drew Sanders: “He makes a play a day that nobody else can make.”

Hello.
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) August 16, 2023

Also said the Broncos will use Sanders in ways this fall that they’re not showing right now in camp/preseason.

Intriguing, to say the least. https://t.co/M7QdRCghjZ
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) August 16, 2023

Joseph's indication that Sanders will line up in different ways is a promising sign for his development. Not only does the coaching staff have enough trust to use him in those situations, but it also is comfortable with him lining up in different formations without first seeing it during the preseason.

Sanders is unquestionably in a great situation with a lot of talented players already on Denver's defense.

The Broncos ranked seventh in yards allowed per game last season and ninth in expected points added per play.

Sanders was drafted in the third round (67th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft after playing college ball at Alabama and Arkansas. As a junior last year with the Razorbacks, Sanders had 103 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.

Returning contributors to last year's Broncos defense include safeties Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson; linebackers Alex Singleton and Josey Jewell; and linemen Zach Allen, Mike Purcell, D.J. Jones and Randy Gregory. The team also added former Seahawks and Chiefs edge-rusher Frank Clark in free agency.

Oh, and the Broncos have arguably the best cornerback in football, Patrick Surtain II.

Until Payton, Wilson and the rest of the Broncos offense figures things out, the defense will remain overlooked and underappreciated. That doesn't mean the unit is unworthy of our attention, and according to the DC, Sanders is going to make the defense even stronger.

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