The Denver Broncos figure to have one of the league's best defenses in 2025. The unit was terrific for Vance Joseph in 2024 and after the additions of Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga in free agency, there are some who feel it will be the best defense in the league.
The Broncos led the league in sacks last year and had the Defensive Player of the Year in Pat Surtain II. But if there is a weakness, it might be the depth at the inside linebacker spot as both Greenlaw and Alex Singleton have some injury concerns.
Alex Ballentine at Bleacher Report predicts that this year's breakout player will be third-year linebacker Drew Sanders. Originally drafted as a versatile player who could play the off-ball linebacker or come off the edge as a pass-rusher, Sanders tore his Achilles tendon last April and missed a huge chunk of the season. After playing just sparingly as a rookie, no one really knows what he's capable of at the NFL level.
"The Broncos spent a third-round pick on Drew Sanders in the 2023 draft. To this point, the return hasn't been great. He struggled to find the right role as a bit of a 'tweener between edge-rusher and linebacker. He also suffered a torn Achilles that cost him most of the 2024 season.
Dre Greenlaw's arrival could make it difficult for Sanders to crack the starting lineup. But the 28-year-old is also going to miss most of the team's summer work as he recovers from a quad injury. His age and injury history also make it somewhat likely the Broncos will have to tap into their depth eventually.
Sanders was drafted in part because of his excellent athleticism. Now that he seems to have found a home as an inside backer, he could finally take off and become a contributor", wrote Ballentine.
It would be a huge bonus for the Broncos if Ballentine ends up being correct. The more the Broncos can get out of Sanders in year three, the better. The team won't necessarily plan to "rely" on him, but if he can step up and not only be available but also impact games with plays here and there, there might not be a bigger boost for this defense.
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