3 IDL to Bring Needed Depth to the Unit

The Broncos need help getting after the quarterback from the inside of their line, and these are the two best options in the draft.

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) tries to / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are facing a challenge in their interior defensive line, particularly in their pass rush. With only Zach Allen and occasional support from D.J. Jones, the team needs additional strength. While the signing of Malcolm Roach has improved their run defense, his pass-rushing abilities are not enough to make a significant difference. 

However, there is a challenge with this class. Some talent is at the top but lacks depth and potential difference-makers throughout the draft. This can make it challenging for the Broncos to acquire the needed help without investing an early pick on someone. Thankfully, two early options stand out, promising to bring the much-needed pass rush ability from the inside, which should pique the Broncos' interest. They also could use a true nose tackle, and there is one outstanding prospect who can be that piece.

They could also use an actual nose tackle that can eat up a lot of space and keep double teams from generating a lot of push up front. While the Broncos have solid run defenders, they need that force in the middle, and a high-quality prospect could be an option.

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) passes the / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Byron Murphy II | Texas

• Height: 6-foot-0.5
• Weight: 297 pounds
• Arm Length: 32-3/8 inches
• Hands: 10-1/4 inches
• Relative Athletic Score: 9.21

Pros

Despite his compact and muscular build that may not align with the NFL's ideal, Murphy manages to excel. His smaller size might raise questions about his run defense, but he has developed effective techniques to address this, including a well-honed knee-drop technique to withstand double teams. 

What stands out the most about Murphy is his pass rush ability, starting with how quick and explosive he is off the snap. He plays with good leverage and can get under the pads of blockers and drive through their shoulder to get after the quarterback. The strength is also there, which he uses to help drive through the shoulders of blockers with his leverage. 

Multiple moves in his arsenal are developed for the NFL, including counters, and he has a variety of go-to moves. He is fluid in his transitions and can chain moves together seamlessly. The energy is relentless, and he wears down blockers the longer the rep goes on. He has quickness with his hands that are relentless with good technique. 

Cons

The frame isn’t ideal, and he doesn’t have a lot of room for more mass. Due to his lack of size, he can get swallowed by bigger blockers and struggle to get off if he doesn’t win with his initial moves. This issue also stems from the lack of length to keep blockers off his frame. 

He isn't a great run defender, even with some good techniques, including a knee-drop to help with double teams. He can’t always use his techniques to handle double teams; when that happens, he gets washed from the point of attack. 

Fit With Broncos

The issues with his run defense are a concern, but with Roach and Jones as the primary run defenders, the Broncos can limit Murphy's exposure. They need him for his ability as a pass rusher to help out Zach Allen and can help with the issue of winning with four rushers. Murphy isn’t a liability against the run to make this a bad fit. 

Big Board Position: No. 15 overall.

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Nov 25, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Newton | Illinois

• Height: 6-foot-2
• Weight: 304 pounds
• Arm Length: 32-3/8 inches
• Hands: 9-1/2 inches
• Relative Athletic Score: N/A

Pros

Newton has a solid frame but a great build full of upper and lower body power. He is a loose, smooth, fluid mover with plenty of pass-rush ability. There is power in his hands that can help control the shoulders of blockers and create an opening for him to shoot gaps and make a play on the ball carrier. 

When he works as a pass rusher, there is a consistent plan of attack and plenty of moves in the arsenal. His excellent slide-and-slap move gets him through the gaps and leads to multiple sacks during his collegiate career. 

His instincts and timing as a defender are exceptional, and he sheds blocks decently well to make a play on the ball carrier. There is also the ability to move him around the line and get him favorable matchups, especially on obvious passing downs. 

Cons

When engaging with blocks, there isn’t much power in engagement. He also doesn’t use his power consistently to get off blocks, which can get him stuck for a little longer than ideal. He also doesn’t have an ideal frame and lacks the length you would like to see with interior pass rushers. 

There isn’t a lot of discipline with Newton, and he will give up gap integrity to chase the ball. He also will frequently bite on play-action to chase the running back or get caught chasing the quarterback in draw plays. The final issue is pad level, which creates issues holding up as a run defender at the point of attack. 

Fit With Broncos

Like Murphy, Newton has issues against the run, but he isn’t a liability for being a bad fit for the Broncos. They can use Roach and Jones to limit Newton's exposure against the run, but they don’t have to worry about him being caught on the field. Newton would bring that much-needed pass rush ability to boost the interior pressure instead of relying on Zach Allen to be like Hercules on the field and be the only interior pass rusher. 

Big Board Position: No. 29 overall.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat (93) sacks TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover / Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman

T’Vondre Sweat | Texas

• Height: 6-foot-4.5
• Weight: 366 pounds
• Arm Length: 33-1/4 inches
• Hands: 10-1/8 inches
• Relative Athletic Score: 4.25

Pros

Sweat's sheer size and mass are truly exceptional, setting him apart from most players. It's a rarity to see a nose tackle of his stature become a focal point for blocking. His presence on the field demands double teams every rep, making it difficult for blockers to move off the line of scrimmage. This creates ample space for linebackers to execute the necessary plays. 

Sweat's anchor is virtually unshakeable, a testament to his strength and stability. He maintains a solid base with good balance, rarely finding himself on the ground or dislodged from his spot. Despite his size, he demonstrates solid pass-rush ability, making him more than just a two-down nose tackle. While he may not frequently finish with a sack, he can effectively push the pocket and generate pressure, as evidenced by his 53 pressures over the last two seasons. 

Cons

There isn’t much lateral agility or quickness to Sweat, and there are too many instances of him being late off the snap. That isn’t surprising with his size, but being more consistent with his get-off could go a long way to offering more as a pass rusher and not putting him behind from the start.

Fit With Broncos

The Broncos currently boast quality run defenders in Malcolm Roach and D.J. Jones, but they lack a true nose tackle. Sweat could be a significant addition to the Broncos defensive line room, both in terms of his physical presence and his ability to address the team's run defense issues. While he may not bring the much-needed pass rush ability, his role as a true nose tackle could be instrumental in shoring up the Broncos' defense. 

Big Board Position: No. 35 overall.

Better Fit for Broncos

Murphy is viewed as the better prospect between the two and is poised to be a top-20 pick. The Broncos could take him at 12 or risk losing him by trading down. Newton could still be a first-round pick but also go in the early second round. So Denver could trade down a couple of times and still be able to land Newton. As for Sweat, he looks like a late first- or early second-round pick, which will allow the Broncos to move down a time or two and land him. 

As for who is the better fit, Murphy would be a great fit, but the Broncos may be unable to afford to use the 12th pick on him. Sweat is a good fit, but the Broncos need that pass-rush ability more than a proper nose tackle. That would make Newton the best fit, and being able to move down a time or two and add more draft picks while getting that pass rush ability that is coveted. 

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