The Denver Broncos totaled 42 sacks in 2023, tied for the 11th-lowest total in the NFL, and the worst total in the AFC West. Elsewhere in the division, the Las Vegas Raiders (46 sacks), Los Angeles Chargers (48 sacks) and Kansas City Chiefs (57 sacks) got more production from their pass rushers.
The Broncos will need more from their edge defenders in 2024. Part of the problem in 2023 was leaning on Randy Gregory and Frank Clark early in the year. Both players were off the team by mid-season.
Another hindrance was Baron Browning’s meniscus tear that sidelined him for the first six games of the campaign. After he returned from that injury, Browning had modest production, totaling 4.5 sacks in 10 games.
Jonathon Cooper (8.5 sacks) and Nik Bonitto (8.0 sacks) were the team’s most productive pass rushers in 2023, but both of them might be better suited for a rotational rusher role instead of a regular starting gig.
If Browning is able to reach his potential in 2024, Denver could pair him with a high-profile pass rusher. Cooper and Bonitto would be excellent rotation options in such a scenario. If Browning never turns into the kind of pass rusher the Broncos hope he can be, Denver will eventually need two starting-caliber edge defenders.
The Broncos are set to select 12th overall in the 2024 NFL draft and that might be an ideal place to land a top pass rusher. Recent mock drafts have Denver landing Laiatu Latu, Jared Verse and Chop Robinson at that spot. Whether it’s one of those options or another prospect, the Broncos would be wise to bring in a high-profile pass rusher in 2024.
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