Broncos are strongest at these two position groups

When the Denver Broncos hired Sean Payton in 2023, he quickly overhauled the team's offensive and defensive lines.

In Payton's first offseason, Denver signed offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, guard Ben Powers and defensive lineman Zach Allen. Last year, the Broncos signed defensive lineman Malcolm Roach and traded for fellow lineman John Franklin-Myers. This spring, the team re-signed defensive lineman D.J. Jones.

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Denver has splashed cash in the trenches, and that has paid off.

“We went through our Bronco personnel meetings -- I think our highest-graded position groups were probably offensive line and defensive line, the way they played," general manager George Paton said at the NFL combine in February. "I think that really dictated the success we had this season. Obviously, the young quarterback going like this (gesturing up), but really in the trenches [is key]."

The Broncos led the NFL with 63 sacks on defense last fall, setting a new franchise record. On offense, rookie quarterback Bo Nix was sacked just 24 times, the fourth-best total among QBs who started at least 12 games last season.

"You talk about sack differential: that’s what it’s all about," Paton said. "We were one of the best in the last 30 years. That’s pretty unique. We went from 27th in sacks allowed to third, and then set the team record [and were] first in the league in sacks. That’s what it’s all about. That’s why you just keep feeding those lines.”