Super Bowl champion makes bold claim regarding Broncos defense

Harris said his only concern is potential injuries. Otherwise, he sees no other reason the unit shouldn't be among the league's best.

"I think the defense will be in the top three," Harris said. "But I'm hoping we finish No. 1." 

The Broncos defense already set a high bar last season. Denver allowed the league's third-fewest points per game (18.3) and had the most sacks (63). 

After the Buffalo Bills crushed the Broncos, 31-7, in the AFC wild-card round, Denver felt it needed one or two more defensive tweaks to reach the next level. 

In free agency, the Broncos signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw (three years, $31.5M) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (three years, $39M), who both played a key role for the San Francisco 49ers when they made Super Bowl LVIII during the 2023 season. 

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Broncos took Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron with pick No. 20. Denver general manager George Paton hinted he could become an elite player, like Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year.

"[Head coach Sean Payton and I] couldn't stop watching him," Paton said after selecting Barron. "He plays all over the field. He just kind of fits everything we're looking for in a player."

The Broncos' 2025 season still hinges on quarterback Bo Nix building off a solid rookie season. It appears there's a good chance that happens. In 17 regular-season starts in 2024, he threw the league's sixth-most touchdown passes (29).

Denver hasn't won a playoff game since hoisting its third Lombardi Trophy. With a promising QB and a stingy defense, the Broncos could be primed to be in the championship mix for the first time in nearly a decade.