2022 NFL Draft Preview: Defensive line sleepers and Broncos fits

The Denver Broncos may have a larger need on the defensive line than some think. By trading away Shelby Harris, the Broncos created a hole they had to fill. They’ve done that in free agency, perhaps upgrading the position with free agent D.J. Jones. However, the Broncos could use the 2022 NFL Draft to continue strengthening the position.

I believe the signing of Jones could turn out to be a great move. In the middle of March, as one of their first moves in free agency, Jones was signed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Broncos. Jones appeared in every game for the San Francisco 49ers last year, registering 2.0 sacks and grading out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 20 interior defensive lineman with strong marks in run defense and pass rushing. He will be a great nose tackle, but questions remain at right and left defensive end.

This class of defensive linemen seems to have at least a few quality options in every round. There is a buffet of different talent, so it will really depend on what the Broncos are looking for in terms of fit up front in the trenches of the defense.

In this article, I will look at the market for the position. I will also write about sleepers at the defensive line position and some players who could fit what the Broncos need in the 2022 NFL Draft.

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Market Watch

The Georgia Bulldogs had a great defense in 2021, and you can tell by the players coming into the NFL this year from that program. Two of the top defensive linemen in this class are Bulldogs, and we could see both go off the board in the top-25 of the first round. It’s debatable which one is better – because both are great and provide tremendous upside in the NFL.

I give a slight edge to Jordan Davis – and not because he became a household name for his fast 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine earlier this year. Davis gets the first nod – and it’s close – because of his natural size and athleticism. He’s naturally huge (340 pounds) and surprisingly athletic for a man his size.

Davis automatically clogs up rushing lanes because of his size and his anchor. He’s tough to move when he gets position, and the Bulldogs did a good job of making plays around him because Davis was holding the point of attack – freeing other defenders to get to the ball. In order to be the best pro, Davis will need to get more interior push. He is immovable, but he also doesn’t get enough interior pressure for a man his size. If he is coached to play with better leverage, Davis could learn how to penetrate better.

Devonte Wyatt is just as good as Davis, and teams will have to decide for themselves which one they want more – or which one fits their system the best. In four years with the Bulldogs (25 starts), Wyatt only compiled 5.0 sacks. He does have the potential to get more sacks as a pro, but the production on tape just isn’t there.

Not only does Wyatt have good speed for a 300-pound player, but his lateral agility also shows up on tape. When a play goes away from him, Wyatt does not quit, and he’s got the burst to get to the ball-carrier. I like the way he can diagnose a play correctly while taking on a blocker. He will shed his man quickly and get to the play – even screen plays – much quicker than most defensive linemen.

Travis Jones (UConn) is the only other defensive lineman I have graded as a first-round prospect. Jones can toss players out of his way. No joke – he has the upper body strength to use one arm to remove his man from his path by tossing him out of the way like it was nothing.

A former offensive guard in high school, Jones made the transition to the defensive line seamlessly. He understands leverage – leading to those occasional tosses – and he’s quick off the line of scrimmage. Unlike Davis or Wyatt, Jones does offer a bit more pass-rushing potential and that could get him drafted in the first round.

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Sleepers

When it comes to sleepers on the defensive line, I’m first looking for one of two things – elite size or athleticism that stands out against small school competition. Both sleepers hit that mark, and one of them hits both categories. These players have talent, they certainly have size, and they will be day-three picks in the draft.

Eric Johnson (Missouri State) has athleticism that stands out on tape. There’s a little bit of Shelby Harris to Johnson’s game. Like Harris, Johnson knows how to get his hands up when he’s not going to get to the quarterback – and that leads to batted passes. Also, like Harris, Johnson has a knack for blocking extra points and field goals. Johnson gets a good bull rush, and he did a good job showing he could face better competition during the week of practice for the Reese’s Senior Bowl earlier this year.

Noah Elliss (Idaho) is the largest defensive lineman in this draft class not named Jordan Davis. At nearly 350 pounds, fans of Valor High School in Colorado will remember him as a prep. Elliss is a disruptive player who can sap an opponent of his will. He’s tough and has been through plenty of adversity during his college career due to injuries. At the Scouting Combine, Elliss tore his hamstring and didn’t do most of the drills because of it. Elliss will not require surgery to repair the hamstring, but it’s another mark in the “injury prone” column that scouts get nervous about.

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Broncos Fits

There are various types available for the Broncos, but I think we’re looking at day three of the draft if the Broncos take a defensive lineman – and that’s a big if. Instead, they might choose to add talent at the position from this class after the draft as priority free agents.

Jayden Peevy (Texas A&M) is not going to be undrafted, but he could go off the board in the sixth round of the draft. He fell in love with basketball early in his athletic career, and Peevy didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school. Even with five years of college experience with the Aggies, Peevy still is a work in progress as a player.

Peevy is big, weighing in at 307 pounds, and he has a wide stance which makes him difficult to block. He’s got long arms and uses them well against opponents who can’t get a solid grasp on him. I like the way Peevy peeks into the backfield while the play unfolds in front of him. He diagnoses quickly and does not stop hustling. He’s a high-motor player who can be a better pro than he was a collegian. If the Broncos were to add him in the fifth or sixth round, I would be pleased.

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