2. Denver Broncos
Despite losing defensive end Malik Jackson and linebacker Danny Trevathan in free agency, the Broncos’ defense remains stacked. After all, this is a unit that finished first in total defense, first against the pass and third against the run last season.
Losing two players from that squad doesn’t necessarily change the fact that Denver remains one of the most-talented teams in terms of defense.
Like Watt in Houston, it starts with one player. And while there is obviously a contract stalemate between Von Miller and the Broncos, the expectation here has to be that he will be ready to make an impact when the season comes calling.
Speaking of making an impact, Miller, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, has been absolutely dominating in recent years. He’s put up double-digit sacks in four of his first five years in the NFL, including 11 a season ago.
Miller also racked up five sacks in the final two games last season, including 2.5 in the Super Bowl victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Joining Miller on a defensive front that gets to the quarterback as much as any in the league are DeMarcus Ware and Derek Wolfe who combined for 13 sacks last season. Add in youngsters Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray, both of whom boast double-digit sack potential, and there’s even more optimism for 2016.
With such a dominating front seven, it’s not hard to believe just how good the Broncos’ secondary performed a season ago. They yielded a 78.8 rating while allowing just 19 touchdown passes compared to 14 interceptions.
Whether Aqib Talib is punished for his latest off-field incident remains to be seen. And in reality, that could have a major impact here.
He’s among the top cover guys in the NFL. Though, there’s more than just one man making up for the success on this unit. Chris Harris remains one of the top slot guys in the league, and former first-round pick Bradley Roby stepped up in a larger role as a sophomore last year.
Add in the Pro Bowl caliber play of T.J. Ward at safety, and the Broncos’ defense will remain dominant this upcoming season.