Broncos GM could draft D-linemen again in early around to address expiring contracts By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 19, 2019

Derek Wolfe? Free agent after the upcoming season.

Adam Gotsis? Ditto.

Shelby Harris? Same.

And the quality depth behind the Broncos’ projected Week 1 defensive line? Thin after .

With an eye on the present (allowing coach Vic Fangio to have a two-platoon line) and toward the future (the contract statuses of the aforementioned players), the Broncos could go with a defensive lineman with the 10th overall pick next Thursday.

General manager John Elway started running the Broncos’ draft in 2011 and has used four picks in rounds 1-2 on defensive linemen: Wolfe (second round, 2012), Sylvester Williams (first round, 2013), Gotsis (second round, 2016) and DeMarcus Walker (second round, 2017).

Wolfe is on his second contract and played 16 games last year for the first time since 2014, Williams played out his rookie deal and signed with Tennessee, Gotsis has not missed a game in his three pro seasons and Walker should look at Fangio’s arrival as a fresh start after he didn’t fit into former coach Vance Joseph’s plans.

As many as six defensive linemen could be drafted in the first round.

Quinnen Williams from Alabama won’t be available. But what if Houston’s Ed Oliver slides down? Elway could envision putting Oliver at defensive in the base package and inside on third down.

“Pretty much anywhere on the line, I can (pass) rush,” Oliver said.

Oliver, 6-foot-2, 287 pounds, showed great strength at the combine, lifting the 225-pound bar a total of 32 times. A five-star recruit out of high school, Oliver met those expectations at Houston, earning first- team American Athletic Conference and All-America recognition in all three of his college seasons.

In 33 games, Oliver had 193 tackles (54 for lost yardage) and 14 1/2 sacks. He was limited to eight games last year because of a bone bruise on his knee.

Asked to describe his playing style, Oliver said: “Fast; faster than most. Violent with a high motor. … I just feel that I play with a lot more speed than most D-linemen do, especially the ones coming out this year. I feel like when you turn my tape on, I’m moving at a different speed.”

If the Broncos trade down but still covet a defensive lineman, Clemson’s and Notre Dame’s could be options later in the first round.

Wilkins (6-3, 315 pounds) played in 59 games (45 starts) for the Tigers and had 250 tackles and 16 sacks. He was a three-time first-team All-American.

Tillery (6-6, 295 pounds) played in 50 games (40 starts) for the Irish and had 135 tackles and 13 1/2 sacks.

“I think I’m a great football player (and) a great pass rusher,” Tillery said. “Once I’m on a team, I think I’ll fit in nicely wherever I’m playing.”

Broncos Briefs: In first minicamp, Kareem Jackson works at safety By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 19, 2019

For at least this week’s minicamp, Broncos Kareem Jackson was a safety.

A long-time with the Houston Texans who also played some safety, Jackson’s versatility was attractive to the Broncos in free agency.

Why safety to start off?

“There’s more to learn at safety than at corner,” coach Vic Fangio said after Thursday’s practice. “He’s played so much corner in his career that I wanted him to get more work in this camp — all of his work — at the safety position to feel comfortable there.”

Fangio said Jackson will toggle between cornerback and safety throughout the offseason program.

“He’ll be out there somewhere,” Fangio said. “Where, I don’t know. And I’m being honest with you.”

The second starting safety spot alongside Justin Simmons remains open.

Learning curve. Second-year receiver DaeSean Hamilton calls himself a “football junkie,” so he has spent the last two-plus weeks buried in his new playbook.

“I dove into it and have been asking Coach Z (receivers coach Zach Azzanni) many questions about the details and then watching a lot of film because I love watching film,” Hamilton said. “I don’t think (the new ) will be too hard of a transition. There’ll obviously be growing pains because it’s something new but nothing too difficult we can’t adjust to.”

Hamilton missed two games last year because of a sprained MCL, but finished as a starter (30 catches- 243 yards-two ) when Emmanuel Sanders sustained a torn Achilles. Sanders’ rehabilitation is ongoing, creating first-team snaps for Hamilton.

“It’s like the end of last year and continuing to make sure I’m getting better as a player and bringing more to the table and am on my ‘A’ game every day,” Hamilton said.

Tough schedule. The Broncos have the second-toughest schedule in the league this year — their opponents had a combined .537 winning percentage in 2018. Oakland is first (.539), followed by the Broncos, Houston (.531), Chicago (.527) and Kansas City (.520).

“I had no reaction, really,” Fangio said of looking at the Broncos’ schedule. “I was only interested to see who we play in the first two weeks (at Oakland and vs. Chicago) because that’s who you’ll start planning (for) in the offseason. Other than that, the schedule at this point of the season is really kind of irrelevant.”

Fangio was previously the Bears’ defensive coordinator so that will be a Week 2 storyline.

“I’m sure there will be a build-up to it a little bit, but it will be special to go against those guys,” Fangio said. “Those guys are great players (and) great people. I loved being around them. But for those 60 minutes, it will be another NFL game.”

Minicamp wrap. The Broncos concluded their three-day minicamp with a 90-minute workout.

“I thought it went great,” Fangio said. “Guys had a good attitude, they were here to work even though it’s really early (in the offseason program). We had great attendance and great effort. I think we laid some bricks in the foundation to get better. We still have a long ways to go — we have a lot of little things we need to improve on, but at least they’ll see themselves on tape in our systems and they can improve from there.”

Footnotes. The Broncos cut cornerback Craig Mager, who was not present for any of the minicamp practices. … The Broncos signed cornerback Trey Johnson and offensive lineman Jake Brendel, two of the six players who participated in minicamp on a tryout basis. … Fangio, when relayed outside ’s stated goal of reaching 20 sacks this year: “If he does all (of) the little things that are necessary to do that, he’s definitely got a great chance to do that. But the little things are going to make the difference for him and it’s not just on the field. It’s off the field: Preparation, rest, those things, being attentive to the details and technique. If he does that, yes, the sky’s the limit.” Broncos have plenty of NFL draft options for defensive linemen in later rounds By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 19, 2019

Defensive linemen in the draft

BRONCOS STATUS

On the roster: Derek Wolfe (DE), Adam Gotsis (DE), Shelby Harris (DT), Zach Kerr (DT/DE), DeMarcus Walker (DE) and Caushaud Lyons (DE).

Level of need: Moderate. Wolfe, Gotsis and Harris — the potential base-down starting line in Week 1 — are scheduled for free agency next March. Even if the Broncos feel those three players are in their future plans, they could wait until Day 2 (rounds 2-3) to add depth.

DAY 2 OPTIONS

Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State

Visited Broncos earlier this month. … At 6-foot-2 and 281 pounds, would fit as a in Broncos’ scheme. … Declared for draft as a fourth-year junior. … Finished career with 115 tackles and nine sacks in 39 games (37 starts). … Scored two touchdowns (/ recovery) last year. … Played for Buckeyes in 2018 and was first-team All-Big Ten.

Khalen Saunders, Western Illinois

At 6-foot and 324 pounds, a projected 3-4 nose tackle all the way. … In 47 games (34 starts) at FCS school, had 204 tackles, 18 sacks and four forced . … First-team All-America as a fifth-year senior. … Did not miss a game in college. … First player in program history to be invited to Senior Bowl.

Renell Wren, Arizona State

Played 42 games (18 starts) for Sun Devils, posting 81 tackles (14 1/2 for lost yardage) and three sacks. … A regular starter for only his senior year. … At 6-5 and 318 pounds, projects as a nose tackle. … Lifted the 225-pound bar a whopping 30 times at Combine. … Only three sacks in college suggests he needs to develop his pass-rushing moves.

Trysten Hill, Central Florida

Started all 24 of his games at UCF in 2016-17 but only one game last year with a new coaching staff. Still had 36 tackles (10 1/2 for lost yardage) and three sacks. … At 6-3 and 308 pounds, has experience playing in 4-3 and 3-4 schemes.

Daniel Wise, Kansas At 6-2 and 281 pounds, could be an intriguing option because of his interior pass-rushing ability (18 1/2 career sacks). … Two-time first-team All-Big 12 who had 151 tackles in 47 games (42 starts). … Brother, Deatrich, plays for New England. … Forty-four tackles for lost yardage ranked second in Kansas history.

Thursday: Receivers.

Ja’Wuan James settling in quickly as Broncos right tackle By Kyle Frederickson Denver Post April 19, 2019

Ja’Wuan James could hardly blink for fear of missing something.

Within a month, the Broncos right tackle uprooted from Miami to Denver, moved in with the family of his Colorado-raised wife, Rainey, and began voluntary minicamp. James lacked a warm-up period he utilized in previous offseason programs.

“Everything’s just happening a bit faster,” James said, “but I feel like it’s a great opportunity.”

The Broncos place much of their hope for a resurgent 2019 on the extremely large shoulders of James (6-foot-6, 312 pounds), their big free agent signing who might be the only sure thing along Denver’s offensive line next season. The clock is ticking on left tackle Garett Bolles to perform like a first-round talent. The Broncos will likely use the draft to build new center/guard pairings with Ron Leary recovering from a torn Achilles and Matt Paradis gone to the Panthers.

James’ ascension to a leadership role up front won’t happen instantly. His relationship with assistant offensive line coach Chris Kuper, previously with James in Miami (2016-18), might accelerate the process. Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello said Kuper provided “inside information” that gave the Broncos confidence in making James the highest paid right tackle in NFL history (four-year, $51-million contract).

“(Kuper) knew what kind of person he was,” Scangarello said. “He’s an athletic tackle. He’s a very good pass protector in our scheme. We figured it would fit his skill set and we could help him continue to ascend as a player.”

Kuper will work with offensive line coach to maximize that potential, and only a few days into minicamp, James is learning what made Munchak such a valuable resource in Pittsburgh the past five seasons.

“(Munchak) has been one of us, sat in our seats and did it at a high level; he’s a Hall of Famer,” James said. “He knows the coaching side of it and he also knows the playing side. He knows there are limitations to what certain guys can do and he’s willing to work with you to find what works best. He says, ‘This is a guideline. If it doesn’t work for you, that’s fine. What does?’ He works well just understanding.”

While absorbing the playbook is of the highest importance, so is finding common ground among teammates, and it’s why James has embraced off-field bonding opportunities. Center Connor McGovern recently hosted a barbecue. The offense went bowling two weeks back and family members joined; similar events are planned for the future.

“A big message this year is family,” James said. “The more we know each other as brothers the easier it is to play for each other.”

Broncos notes: Kareem Jackson opens at safety leaving void at cornerback By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 19, 2019

Let’s assume Joe Flacco tore it up in 11-on-11 drills during the Broncos’ voluntary veteran minicamp this week.

This assumption comes from the Broncos’ cornerback situation.

Chris Harris Jr.? A no show as an unofficial contract holdout (it was voluntary, after all). Kareem Jackson? He played safety for three days.

“For the reason that there’s more to learn at safety than there is at corner," said Broncos head coach Vic Fangio. “He’s played much more corner in his career, so I wanted him to get more work in this camp – all of his work – at the safety position, to feel comfortable there."

Bryce Callahan? He was held out of team drills as he continues to recover from left foot surgery. Isaac Yiadom? He’s recovering from offseason shoulder surgery?

Craig Mager? The veteran and former Charger whom the Broncos signed for the final two weeks of last season was a no-show because of personal reasons.

As 9News first reported, the Broncos waived Mager on Thursday.

The Broncos wound up giving ample practice reps to De’Vante Bausby, who was freshly signed out of the failed Alliance of league, and two corners who were brought in for one-week tryouts: Trey Johnson and Quinten Rollins.

“They got great work," said Broncos head coach Vic Fangio. “It’s a little tougher in this setting here. You’re not allowed to press, and we don’t want the corners to bang up the receivers too much, but they all got great work."

Broncos sign two tryout players

Given how thin they are at cornerback, it’s not surprising the Broncos signed Johnson, who was an undrafted rookie out of Villanova last year with the . He suffered a shoulder injury in training camp and spent last season on injured reserve. He was released three months ago.

9News also reports the Broncos signed veteran guard/center Jake Brendel, who got some playing time the previous three seasons with the .

Von’s vision

On Wednesday, Broncos pass rusher Von Miller – who is already the team’s all-time sack leader through eight seasons with 98 ½ – said his goal this year is 20, which would put him on a good pace as he seeks to break ’s NFL career mark of 200 sacks.

The 20 sacks is far more realistic than Miller’s statement last year that he thought 30 sacks in a season was realistic. No one’s come close to 30.

However, a 20-sack season has been done 12 times – twice by J.J. Watt, but never by Miller, whose career-best is 18.5 sacks in his second season of 2012.

“If he does all the little things that are necessary to do that, he’s definitely got a great chance to do that," Fangio said. “But the little things are going to make the difference for him. It’s not just on the field, it’s off the field. Preparation, rest, all those things, being attentive to the details and technique. If he does that, yes, the sky is the limit.”

Expect Elway To Draft Defensive Stud Again In First Round By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press April 19, 2019

So many mock drafts continue to portray John Elway as having fallen for Missouri's Drew Lock even though the boss hasn't spent nearly as much time scouting this year's crop of as he did last year's superior group that included and .

Picking fifth last year, Elway passed on first-round QBs , and Lamar Jackson to draft pass rusher Bradley Chubb.

Expect something similar this year with Elway, who owns the 10th pick this time, capitalizing on a draft that's even deeper in defensive difference makers and lighter on the kind of pocket passers he prefers.

Elway traded for former Ravens QB Joe Flacco this offseason, saying, "We feel like he's really got a lot more football left in him."

Adding an experienced such as Flacco gives Elway wiggle room.

"We feel like this gives us a lot of different options with that 10th pick, as well as the second and third (rounds)," Elway said. "We're at the top of those rounds, so we feel like there are a lot of good football players that will be there to help us."

With really enticing quarterback classes coming up in 2020 and 2021, Elway will likely settle for a project passer down the board this year instead of grabbing the likes of Lock at No. 10.

Lock has great athleticism, a strong arm and the swagger but lacks accuracy — sounds a lot like Paxton Lynch, whom Elway blundered by taking in the first round three years ago, setting the franchise into a nosedive.

The Broncos' playoff drought is now three years, they're coming off consecutive losing seasons for the first time since the Nixon administration and Elway is on his seventh QB since 's retirement and his fourth head coach in six seasons.

With bypassing the 2019 draft to play his senior season at Oregon, the one quarterback that fits Elway's mold for an old-school pocket passer is Ohio State's — who wore an Elway jersey on his Broncos visit — but he's expected to be gone by the time the Broncos are on the clock.

Last year, Elway shifted his focus after two stop-watch drafts and loaded his roster with prospects who had played four years in college and had been captains. That approach produced his best draft class yet.

Elway has plenty of holes to fill as he tries to revive the Broncos:

INSIDE LINEBACKER

Oft-injured Brandon Marshall is gone and while Todd Davis and Josey Jewell had their moments last season, Denver needs a linebacker who can throttle tight ends.

"You're always looking for that linebacker that can play all three downs," Elway said. "That's where the game is going, is inside backers under 225 to 230 pounds that can really run and cover people."

TIGHT END

The Broncos have three tight ends coming off injuries that sidelined them last season: Jake Butt, Jeff Heuerman and Troy Fumagalli.

"We've been trying to address that every year," Elway said. "That's a tough position now, especially when you're talking about an in-line guy that is a blocker but can also be a good pass receiver. We don't have a lot of in-line guys coming out of college like we used to because of what they're doing in college ball, opening things up. And there's more receivers coming out of college. It's much more difficult finding the in-line tight ends than it's ever been."

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

The Broncos have the NFL's most prolific pass rush duo in Von Miller and Chubb. But what they really need is more pressure up the middle.

"Absolutely. You need to have a good, even rush," new head coach Vic Fangio said. "You can't have two guys applying pressure here and two guys stuck here. You want, 'Boom, Boom,' right there, four guys at the quarterback he can feel caving in on him. That's critical at the pass rush and that's an area we need to improve in."

KICK RETURNER

The Broncos could use a dynamic kick returner for a chance and if he can catch passes, too, all the better, because Emmanuel Sanders is trying to come back from a torn Achilles tendon.

CORNERBACK

Maybe.

Chris Harris Jr. wants a new contract and is sitting out the offseason program until he gets one, and Elway wants to wait until after the draft to give it to him.

Of course, that opens the possibility of a team calling Elway and making an offer for Harris.

If Von Miller 'does all the little things,' Vic Fangio sees path to 20 sacks By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 19, 2019

Two years after setting his sights on 30 sacks, Von Miller has tempered his expectations a bit.

Now 30 years old, Miller has set his sights on a more manageable goal.

He’s OK with only 20.

If he can get there, he would be just 2.5 sacks short of the single-season record, and he’d put himself in position to perhaps make a run at the all-time sack record.

With 20 sacks next season, Miller would bump his career total to 118.5 regular-season sacks in nine seasons. The all-time record is 200, which Hall of Famer Bruce Smith reached after 19 seasons in the NFL.

Smith, who never recorded a 20-sack season, reached double-digit sacks in 13 of his 19 seasons.

As Miller enters 2019, he’s yet to reach the halfway mark on his race for 200. But after recording double- digit sacks in seven of his first eight years, he could make a push if he can approach Smith’s longevity.

And if he should push past his single-season high of 18.5 sacks — which he recorded in 2012 — he’d certainly do himself a favor in that attempt.

“I feel like I haven’t even made it halfway yet,” Miller said Wednesday. “I’m going on nine [seasons]. We had Bruce Smith at our pass-rush summit and I talked to him about it a little bit. He played 20 years and averaged 10 sacks a season. That’s right where I’m at with it. Hopefully I can get one of those 20-sack seasons. If I can get one of those in, it’ll put me ahead of the pace. I’m still feeling good. I told [Bradley] Chubb today, ‘I’m old but I’m still good. I still feel good out there. I still look good, Chubb?’ And he was like, ‘Yes.’

“As long as I’m still going and as long as I’m still playing first and second down, and rushing the quarterback on third, then I’m good. Whenever I start slipping to third down, then you know Von is on the way out. But I think that’s a long way away for me.”

As Miller’s recorded his 98.5 career sacks — a total that doesn’t include his 6.5 postseason sacks — he’s done enough to make others take notice.

Broncos Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell, who spent the last four seasons with the Bears, can be counted among that group.

“You just see him a lot because he’s a high-profile player,” Donatell said. “He’s a rare, explosive, athletic player, and that’s very viable to playing team .” After being hired, Head Coach Vic Fangio chose to avoid watching old tape on the Broncos to avoid becoming biased before coaching the team. Donatell, though, couldn’t help but watch the pass-rushing duo of Miller and Chubb.

“I cheated a little bit and went back and watched them,” Donatell said. “You couldn’t help but watch them. Those are the type of guys that you want to put this defense in. They’re ideal, they’re good hard workers and it’s just great to have them to start this defense.”

And while Fangio and Donatell are likely focused more on the team’s goals than Miller’s objective, they both would likely admit that if Miller finds success, the Broncos should, as well.

Fangio, asked Thursday about Miller’s goal, thinks there’s a path for No. 58 to get No. 20.

“If he does all the little things that are necessary to do that, he’s definitely got a great chance to do that,” Fangio said. “But the little things are going to make the difference for him. And it’s not just on the field, it’s off the field. Preparation, rest — all those things. Being attentive to the details and technique.

“If he does that, yes, the sky is the limit.”

Broncos sign OL Jake Brendel and CB Trey Johnson, release CB Craig Mager By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 19, 2019

On the heels of voluntary veteran minicamp, the Broncos have signed offensive lineman Jake Brendel and cornerback Trey Johnson, the team announced Thursday.

The Broncos released cornerback Craig Mager in a corresponding move.

Both Brendel and Johnson participated in this week’s minicamp as tryout players.

Brendel, a fourth-year player, played in 21 career games at center and guard over the last three seasons for the Miami Dolphins. The former undrafted free agent — who also spent time with the Cowboys — was injured for much of the 2018 season. The Dolphins placed him on injured reserve with a calf injury on Sept. 3 before activating him from the IR/Designated for Return list in November. He then went back to IR in mid-December.

Johnson, a second-year player, spent 2018 with the Steelers but spent the season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. The Steelers waived the Villanova product from the injured reserve list in January.

Best tools among 15 defensive prospects in NFL draft include Josh Allen as top LB pass rusher By Terez Paylor Yahoo.com April 19, 2019

With the 2019 NFL draft on the horizon, I had a lot of fun diving into the 15 “toolsiest” draft prospects on offense last week. Oklahoma’s won “most accurate quarterback,” for example, while Iowa T.J. Hockenson won “best pass catcher” among his peers.

Now it’s time to do the 15 “toolsiest” prospects on defense, starting with …

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Best pass rusher (and overall player): , Alabama

Total stud. Williams has adequate size (6-foot-3, 303 pounds) and he uses his great athleticism, hands and leverage to dominate on a -by-snap basis. His swim move is deadly and he has good eyes as he finds the ball well. Williams might be the best player in the entire draft, and he’s a Day 1 starter with All- Pro potential. Draft projection: Top 5

Best run stopper: , Clemson

At 6-4 and a monstrous 342 pounds, Lawrence uses his long arms (34¾ inches) and big hands (10½ inches) to control blockers and shed them like few have since Vince Wilfork or even . Throw in the fact that he’s a good athlete for his size, and it’s easy to see Lawrence starring as either a 3- 4 nose or a 4-3 one-technique. Concerns about his pass-rush ceiling and a PED suspension could lower his draft stock, but there’s no question every team in the NFL could use his skills. Draft projection: Top 40

Most complete: Christian Wilkins, Clemson

Though he isn’t the overall athlete Quinnen Williams is, Wilkins’ tape is outstanding. The 6-3, 325- pounder plays his tail off; no one gives better effort or shows more enthusiasm. Plus, he has a great feel for using his leverage and quickness to win vs. the pass and run. If he goes to a team that allows him to shoot gaps, he’ll be a star. Draft projection: Top 15

EDGE RUSHERS Best pass rusher: Josh Allen, Kentucky

The 6-5, 262-pounder has been terrific for three-plus seasons for the Wildcats, using his size, athleticism and juice off the snap to rack up 31 sacks since 2016, including an absurd 17 in 2018. What’s more, Allen — who led the Wildcats in tackles (88) last season as an edge rusher — is a turnover machine. Since 2016, he forced 11 fumbles. Draft projection: Top 5

Best run stopper: , Mississippi State

Sweat has the size (6-6, 260), athleticism (4.41 40-yard dash, 36-inch vertical) and strength to be a dominant edge setter in the NFL because he’ll always be the best athlete in the trenches. With his ridiculous combination of length (35 ¾-inch arms) and hand size (10½ inches), he regularly sheds offensive tackles with ease. In 2018, Sweat racked up 48 tackles, including a ridiculous 15½ for loss, and 11½ sacks. Draft projection: Top 15

Most complete: , Ohio State

Bosa isn’t quite the athlete his older brother Joey is — a star edge rusher for the — but he isn’t far behind. While the 6-4, 266-pound Bosa missed all but three games in 2018 with a core muscle injury, his 2017 tape — in which he racked up 34 tackles (15 for loss) and eight sacks as a part- time starter — was impressive. He’s a strong dude with powerful hands who plays hard, which helps him shine against the run. He also has some pass-rush sophistication and he’s not done growing there yet. Draft projection: Top 5

LINEBACKERS Best in coverage: , LSU

Linebackers have to be athletic enough to cover in space these days, and while the 6-foot, 237-pound White flashed as a run defender — he loves to knife into the backfield (12 tackles for loss last season) — he truly shined in coverage, where his outstanding 4.42 speed allows him to run with most tight ends and even some receivers. That’s a rare trait for a three-down ’backer, and someone will value it enough to take White — who had 123 tackles and six pass breakups last season — in the first half of the first round. Draft projection: Top 15

Best run-stuffer: Te’von Coney, Notre Dame

When it comes to defending the run, inside linebackers are like star singers — either you have the gift for the job or you don’t. The 6-1, 234-pound Coney has a knack for seeing where the play is developing, and he also doesn’t miss many tackles. Coney, a three-year starter, racked up 123 tackles (9½ for loss) in 2018 and doesn’t misdiagnose many plays. Draft projection: Rounds 4-5

Most complete: Devin Bush Jr., Michigan

Bush tested out tremendously as an athlete (4.43 40-yard dash) and has great football bloodlines; his dad played in the NFL. And while he’s not huge (5-11, 234), he’s a big hitter who diagnoses well, attacks downhill, is productive as a blitzer and has the athleticism to be a true three-down linebacker. In 2018, he racked up 80 tackles (9½ for loss), five sacks and six pass breakups for one of the nation’s best defenses. Draft projection: Top 15

CORNERBACKS Best cover skills: , LSU

It’s difficult to find corners with Williams’ gifts. He runs a 4.37 40-yard dash at 6-2 and 185 pounds. He also has a knack for finding the ball in the air and the skills to come down with it. Whether it’s zone or man, Williams has the tools to be a No. 1 cornerback. His 2018 season — in which he recorded 33 tackles, nine pass breakups and two — wasn’t as good as his 2017 season, when he logged 38 tackles, six interceptions and 11 pass breakups, but if he ramps up his effort in the NFL, Pro Bowls and All-Pro nods will be in his future.

Draft projection: Round 1

Most willing tackler: Byron Murphy, Washington

For all of Murphy’s gifts in coverage, his willingness to throw his body around is perhaps the most admirable, as he tallied 58 tackles last season (including four for loss). Teams will knock Murphy (5-11, 190) for his middling 40-yard dash (4.55 seconds), but we’ve seen players who run that time (like Marcus Peters) become good pros, and when a corner plays as hard and cares as much as Murphy, there’s little chance of them failing. Draft projection: Top 40

Most complete: , Georgia

There’s almost nothing Baker, the 2018 Award winner, can’t do. Need a guy to play man, zone or press? A corner who will help in run support with sticky cover skills? Baker has it all. What’s more, he didn’t surrender a all season long and allowed only 175 receiving yards, according to Pro Football Focus. The knock on the 5-11, 193-pounder is his athleticism (he tested below the mean for his position) and teams are also digging into his character, but someone will get a really good football player in the second round. Last season he recorded 40 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions. Draft projection: Round 2

SAFETIES Best cover skills: , Maryland

Versatility matters so much in today’s NFL, and the 5-11, 198-pound Savage is an intriguing chess piece. During a 2018 season in which he logged 52 tackles, four interceptions and two pass breakups, Savage — a superior athlete whose speed shows up on tape — showed the potential to diagnose plays quickly and cover from the slot and deep middle of the field. Draft projection: Top 40

Most physical: , Mississippi State

Abram (5-11, 205) is an energy-giver who loves football. His passion shines through on tape, where his overall effort and zeal for punishing running backs, quarterbacks and receivers whenever possible stood out during a 2018 campaign in which he logged 99 tackles (nine for loss). Abram’s physicality also makes him an intriguing blitzer (three sacks) from the slot or anywhere in the box. Draft projection: Top 40

Most complete: , Delaware

Adderley’s 2018 highlights are littered with big hits, ridiculous interceptions and even a kickoff return for a touchdown. Though he must improve his instincts, the 6-foot, 206-pounder offers tremendous versatility in the box and in coverage. He is one of the most intriguing defensive backs in this draft. He recorded 87 tackles, seven pass breakups and four interceptions in 12 games last season. Draft projection: Top 40

Kareem Jackson working at safety for Broncos By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk April 19, 2019

The Broncos were short on at this week’s voluntary minicamp.

Chris Harris is absent while trying to land a new contract, Bryce Callahan is recovering from foot surgery and Isaac Yiadom is recovering from shoulder surgery, but practicing without those players didn’t lead Denver to put free agent acquisition Kareem Jackson at cornerback for this week’s workouts.

Jackson worked at safety, which was something that head coach Vic Fangio suggested could be the case when Jackson signed with the team in March. Fangio said on Thursday that the decision to use Jackson there was because he’s spent almost all of his career as a cornerback.

“For the reason that there’s more to learn at safety than there is at corner,” Fangio said, via KUSA. “He’s played much more corner in his career, so I wanted him to get more work in this camp — all of his work — at the safety position, to feel comfortable there.”

Jackson’s spot in the secondary once all hands are on deck will likely be more telling about the team’s overall plans for how to make the best use of a new piece on their defense.

Vic Fangio doesn’t care about the schedule By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk April 19, 2019

Plenty of people cared deeply about Wednesday’s release of the schedule. Broncos coach Vic Fangio is not one of them.

“I had no reaction, really,” Fango told reporters on Thursday. “I’m only interested to see who we play the first two weeks because that’s who you’ll start planning on in the offseason. Other than that, the schedule at this point in the season is really kind of irrelevant. Where the schedule does matter sometimes is during the season you may play teams that might be missing players. That helps you. Or, you might be missing your own players. That hurts you. Or, you get a team that’s on a hot streak and you get them right in the middle of their hot streak, or you get them when they’re playing down a little bit. There’s no way to predict what’s a good schedule.”

Still, one of those first two opponents is the Bears, the team for which Fangio most recently worked.

“It’ll just be another game,” Fangio said. “I’m sure there’ll be a little bit of build up to it, but it will be special to go against those guys. Those guys were great players and great people. I loved being around them, but for those 60 minutes it’ll be another NFL game.”

The Broncos are hoping Fangio isn’t just another coach. In this era of young offensive minds, Fangio’s no-nonsense, old-school attitude could be exactly what Denver needs.

Von Miller seeks 20 sacks this year, all-time sack record By Charean Williams Pro Football Talk April 19, 2019

Von Miller knows how many career sacks he has, and the Broncos linebacker knows what the all-time NFL record is.

“It’s something having 98 sacks going into year nine, it’s a good place to be,” Miller said, via video from Troy Renck of Denver7. “This is one of my lofty goals that I have for my career. The goal this year is just to hit that 20-sack mark. If I can get that, that will put me way ahead of the pace.”

Miller’s season-best came in the second year of his career when he had 18.5. He made 14.5 last season. The only season Miller hasn’t had double-digit sacks was 2013 when he played only nine games.

Michael Strahan owns the single-season record with 22.5 in 2001. Bruce Smith holds the NFL all-time record with 200 in a 19-year career. Both are in the Hall of Fame.

“If he does all the little things that are necessary to do that, he’s definitely got a great chance to do that,” new Broncos coach Vic Fangio said Thursday of Miller’s goals, via quotes distributed by the team. “But the little things are going to make the difference for him, and it’s not just on the field. It’s off the field — preparation, rest, all those things, being attentive to the details and technique. If he does that, yes, the sky’s the limit.”

Broncos add a pair of tryout players By Darin Gantt Pro Football Talk April 19, 2019

Since they have a new coach, the Broncos were able to start their offseason program, and have a minicamp earlier as well.

And from that minicamp, they found some new Broncos.

Via Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post, the Broncos signed offensive lineman Jake Brendel and cornerback Trey Johnson, who were there on a tryout basis.

Brendel went to camp with the Cowboys in 2016, and ended up with the Dolphins. He started three games for the Dolphins last year between stints on injured reserve.

Johnson was in camp last year with the Steelers but spent the year on injured reserve. He ran at a 4.33- second 40 at his Villanova Pro Day before last year’s draft.

NFLPA president: Voluntary means voluntary By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk April 19, 2019

Jaguars executive V.P. of football operations Tom Coughlin say that all players should be present for voluntary offseason workouts. The president of the NFL Players Association says that voluntary doesn’t mean what Coughlin apparently thinks it means.

“Our CBA definition of voluntary is the same as the actual definition of voluntary,” NFLPA president Eric Winston said in a statement issued to PFT,” and prohibits anyone from threatening players to participate in voluntary workouts. This is precisely the reason players negotiated strict work rules and bright lines when it comes to offseason activities. We know, from experience, that not all coaches and executives will adhere to them and we always pursue any violations to protect our rules.”

This implies that Coughlin’s bright-line violation will be pursued, through the proper channels. The question at this point isn’t whether a violation happened but what the appropriate sanction should be.

That also could be said for the Broncos’ decision to cut defensive back Craig Mager, whose only apparent sin seems to be that he hasn’t shown up for offseason workouts due to personal reasons, including the bonus minicamp that the Broncos may conduct in connection with the fact that they have a new coach.

On one hand, the Broncos want someone to participate in the workouts, and Mager is taking a roster spot that could go to someone who will voluntary do so. On the other hand, all players have a right to skip voluntary workouts, from Player No. 1 to Player No. 90 on the offseason roster.