The Denver Broncos allowed an average of 137.1 rushing yards per game to opposing offenses last year, representing the third-worst average in the NFL. At least part of the blame fell on the team’s defensive line, and coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton set out to make changes this spring.
Denver allowed defensive lineman Jonathan Harris to walk during free agency and the team has not re-signed Mike Purcell. To replace them, the Broncos signed Malcolm Roach and then acquired John Franklin-Myers in a trade with the New York Jets.
“Last year with the rush defense, it wasn’t every game, it was just spotty,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said on June 12. “I think having those two guys inside to hold a point for us and to change the L.O.S. [line of scrimmage], that’s important. With our run defense, both guys have a history of doing that. So that should help us tremendously.”
Roach posted the best run-stop percentage (17.4%) in the NFL last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Franklin-Myers has totaled 21 tackles behind the line of scrimmage over the last four years.
“[They have been] awesome,” linebacker Alex Singleton said of Roach and Franklin-Myers on June 11. “I’ve known John for a few years now. We trained together a couple of years ago back in southern California. I am excited. The way that they play is fast and physical. They are aggressive dudes. It’s been pretty nice having them in front of me these past couple of weeks.”
Franklin-Myers appears poised to start on the defensive line alongside Zach Allen and D.J. Jones this fall. Roach will likely be used primarily in short-yardage and run-defense scenarios. Roach and Franklin-Myers were key additions to Joseph’s squad and they should help the team’s run defense get back on track this fall.
